Councillor Zena Brabazon, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families, approved a contract for urgent condition and safety works at Hornsey School for Girls. The decision was made to address safety concerns arising from the discovery of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) panels.

Hornsey School for Girls - Urgent Condition and Safety Works

Councillor Zena Brabazon approved the award of a contract to T&B (Contractors) Ltd for urgent condition and safety works at Hornsey School for Girls. The decision, made on 16 April 2024, follows the discovery of RAAC panels in the school's kitchen and dining room in November 2023, which led to the immediate closure of the kitchen and partial closure of the dining room.

The works are necessary to encapsulate the RAAC panels, which will provide the school with seven science teaching labs and associated preparation rooms, ensuring sufficient space for a full curriculum. T&B (Contractors) Ltd were previously instructed under delegated authority for enabling works, including validation and scaffolding, with a combined value of £55,245.41.

The contract awarded to T&B (Contractors) Ltd is valued at £956,302.54, with an additional client contingency to be strictly managed under change control governance. A letter of intent up to £100,000 was also approved. The decision to award the contract directly to T&B (Contractors) Ltd was made because the previous contractor, Diamond Build Plc, entered voluntary liquidation in January 2024, necessitating a re-procurement of outstanding works. T&B (Contractors) Ltd are on the LCP Major Works Framework, allowing for a direct call-off, and have prior experience with RAAC mitigation works and in Haringey schools.

Alternative options considered included doing nothing, which would have failed to provide adequate catering and teaching facilities, or relocating pupils. The latter was discounted due to a lack of suitable alternative secondary school teaching spaces nearby and the detrimental impact on children's education. In-house delivery was not feasible due to a lack of capacity, experience, qualifications, and expertise. A mini-competition via the Council's Dynamic Purchasing System for Minor Works was also discounted as negotiating with a single contractor under the LCP Major Works Framework was deemed more efficient. A competitive tender exercise would have further delayed the completion of works, extending the disruption to the school's operations.

The meeting also noted information regarding filming at meetings. There were no apologies for absence, declarations of interest, deputations, petitions, or questions. The press and public were excluded from discussions relating to the Hornsey School for Girls contract due to the inclusion of exempt information concerning financial and business affairs.