Report no: 35/2021

(Key decision)

Cabinet approved the initiation of the Schools’ Capital Programme Project and the related documentation comprising Project Initiation Document (PID), Programme and Project Board Terms of Reference as attached at Appendices C, D and E of the report

Cabinet noted the contents of the of the Risk & Issues Log and associated Programme Timetable as attached at Appendix B of the report

Cabinet noted the budget available to support the projects, paragraph 7.1 in the report

Cabinet recommended to Council the approval of the Schools’ Capital Programme and related documentation up to a maximum value of £5.5m

Cabinet authorised the Interim Director for Children’s Services to commence the Schools’ Capital Programme and associated structures to enable the local authority to meet its statutory obligation to provide sufficient secondary schools places within Rutland, subject to reporting to Cabinet on the costing prior to placement of the order to commence contruction.

Cabinet delegated authority to the Interim Director for Children’s Services and Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning, Early Years, SEND, Inclusion, Safeguarding Children & Young People to enter into the funding agreement

Councillor Wilby, as the relevant Cabinet Member, elaborated on the report and explained that there was significant pressure at secondary level and previously, Cabinet approved the undertaking of a two-stage feasibility study for school expansion across all the secondary provision in Rutland in February 2020

It was noted that the Stage Two Feasibility Study had been completed, which had identified Catmose College as the favoured site because of its current conditions of the existing modern new-build school which would consolidate the investment that had already been made in recent extensions on the site, with fewer potential planning constraints than at the other two secondary school sites. It was reported that the site was centrally located within the County which was reflected in most admissions for this school being from Rutland families and would therefore more readily address Rutland’s pupil place sufficiency need.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Wilby explained that the Council appreciated the standards of all of the schools and colleges in Rutland, and not just that of Catmose College. He explained that since the fire at Uppingham Commmunity College, they had reconfigured themselves well and that there was a commitment that all schools would be looked after. Catmose College was considered to be the flagship building which had a lot to offer its student.

The Leader confirmed that the Council would continue to seek and support funding opportunities for all schools in Rutland

RESOLVED:

1.    That the initiation of the Schools’ Capital Programme Project and the related documentation comprising Project Initiation Document (PID), Programme and Project Board Terms of Reference as attached at Appendices C, D and E of the report be approved.

2.    That the contents of the of the Risk & Issues Log and associated Programme Timetable as attached at Appendix B of the report be noted

3.    That the budget available to support the projects, paragraph 7.1 in the report be noted

4.    That Council be requested to approve of the Schools’ Capital Programme and related documentation up to a maximum value of £5.5m

5.    That the Interim Director for Children’s Services be authorised to commence the Schools’ Capital Programme and associated structures to enable the local authority to meet its statutory obligation to provide sufficient secondary schools places within Rutland, subject to reporting to Cabinet on the costing prior to placement of the order to commence construction.

6.     Cabinet delegated authority to the Interim Director for Children’s Services and Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning, Early Years, SEND, Inclusion, Safeguarding Children & Young People to enter into the funding agreement.