The Cabinet of Havering Council met on Wednesday 12 August 2026 to discuss the award of contracts for Ofsted-registered alternative provision and to receive an update on the ongoing issues at Arnold's Field. Decisions were made to approve the award of contracts for alternative provision and to delegate authority for potential step in powers and associated funding for works at Arnold's Field.

Award of Contracts for Ofsted Registered Provision

The Cabinet approved the award of contracts to three Ofsted-regulated providers of alternative provision. These contracts, valued at approximately £8.4 million over two years, will be funded from Havering's Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). Two of the providers are multi-academy trusts, falling outside the scope of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23). However, one provider, Koru Independent AP Academy, is a private school, and therefore the Cabinet agreed to a waiver of the Council's Contract Procedure Rules (CPR) for this direct award. These contracts are crucial for fulfilling the Council's statutory duty under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 to arrange suitable education for children who would otherwise not receive it, particularly those who have been permanently excluded or have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The report highlighted that occupancy levels across these provisions have been increasing, with Olive Academy reaching full capacity by June 2026. The decision ensures continuity of provision for vulnerable pupils and allows providers to plan effectively for the upcoming academic year.

Arnold's Field (Launders Lane) Update

An update was provided on the situation at Arnold's Field, which was formally determined as contaminated land in October 2025 due to fires and smoke pollution affecting local residents. The Council has been in discussions with the landowner regarding voluntary remediation, including proposals for a cement polymer covering (CPC) or waste removal. However, these discussions have not yet resulted in a resolution. A Remediation Notice is now being prepared to be served on the appropriate persons, requiring them to address the smoke pollution by carrying out specific remediation, such as installing a covering on select areas of the site.

The Cabinet noted that failure to comply with the Notice could lead to fines and the Council carrying out works in default under its step in powers, which would be chargeable to the responsible parties. It was acknowledged that legal proceedings, including potential appeals, could mean that these works might not take place for another two to three years, potentially leading to further years of fires and smoke.

To address this, the Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Place and the Strategic Director for Resources to exercise the Council's Step In powers if necessary and to utilise Council funds of up to £200,000 for these purposes. The report detailed the history of the site, including illegal dumping and previous fires, and the ongoing efforts to secure remediation. The Council continues to lobby government bodies for support and legislative improvements to address such sites more effectively in the future.