Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, People

The Cabinet Member with the Children and Younge People Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of People to seek Members agreement to release an additional £375,000 of High Needs Capital Funding for the refurbishment of Haughton’s Children’s Centre and Block 3 Beaumont Hill Academy.

The report explained that to date Cabinet had released £466,000 of High Needs Capital Funding and this amount was based on a initial estimate costs from an outline feasibility study done by Eddisons Building and Project Consultancy in 2023. A further detailed survey has now been completed by the RLB Group which has identified some significant costs that were not included in the original estimate, largely in relation to the Beaumont Hill remodelling. The report also stated that because of the time lapse since the original survey in 2024 and Cabinet approved the funding in March 2024 there had since been some inflationary costs of materials.

Reference was made to the initial estimate costs from a study completed previously, but noted that the true costs had not been reflected.

RESOLVED – That Cabinet recommends that members agree to formally release £375,000 of High Needs Capital Funding for the provision of additional special education needs places at Beaumont Hill academy in line with the new SEND strategy.

REASONS - (a) Release of the High Needs Capital funding will allow Beaumont Hill academy to refurbish Haughton Children’s Centre to provide a sixth form centre for up to 30 pupils.

(b) Remodelling the space vacated by the sixth form pupils will create an addition 30-40 high needs places for secondary age pupils with special educational needs and reduce reliance on expensive out of borough placements.