Issue - meetings

A report proposing the establishment of Specialised Resourced Provision at four schools in Rugby, Nuneaton and Bedworth; along with additions to the capital programme to deliver the necessary alterations required.

Councillor Kaur introduced the report which sought approval to establish four specialist resourced provisions – two located in Rugby, one in Nuneaton and one in Bedworth.  Having looked at the infrastructure within the schools, officers had identified children with and Educational, Health and Care Plan’s (EHCP) and wanted to help accommodate these within mainstream primary schools, which would be adapted to meet their needs.  Approval was needed to add funds to the Capital Programme which would be funded from the Department for Education, the High Needs Capital Grant and developer contributions.

Councillor John Holland welcomed the proposal and sought clarification on whether the schools in question were maintained or academy schools.  He also queried how the quality of the work would be monitored and what learning resources would be available for staff.

In response, Councillor Kaur advised that there were SEND training packs for schools which staff could access at no cost and confirmed the schools in question were part of academies.  She reiterated the increased demand in SEND provision which needed to be met and hoped this work would encourage other schools to invite children with specialist needs.  In terms of quality, Councillor Kaur confirmed that the Improvement Team engaged with Head Teachers on a quarterly basis, alongside Ofsted, to help provide a rounded approach on monitoring.

Councillor Seccombe welcomed the proposals and recognised the level of funding being utilised from developer contributions.  She also highlighted the importance of pupils having the opportunity to be educated in their own communities.

Councillor Kaur proposed the recommendations as detailed in the report.

Resolved

That Cabinet:

1) Approves the establishment of specialist resourced provision at the four schools set out in Section 3 and approves the following additions to the capital programme to deliver the prescribed alterations required:

a) For Abbey CofE Infant School, an addition to the capital programme of £0.048 million to be funded from the High Needs Capital Grant;

b) For Goodyers End Primary School, an addition of £0.089 million to the capital programme to be funded from the Special Provision Fund and the High Needs Capital Grant;

c) For St Andrew’s Benn CE Primary School, an addition of £0.028 million to the capital programme to be funded from Developer Contributions;

d) For St Matthew’s Bloxam CE Primary School, an addition of £0.026 million to be funded from Developer Contributions; and

2) Authorises the Strategic Director for People to invite tenders and to enter into any agreements necessary to deliver the provisions approved on terms and conditions considered acceptable to the Strategic Director for Resources.