Decision details

The Cabinet Member, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources:

1. Authorised the refurbishment and remodelling of part of the existing buildings known as St George’s located at Lawn Avenue to accommodate Heltwate Key Stage 4 children, up to the value of the budget sum of £2m. This sum shall include the anticipated design and build contract costs and funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT), all site surveys and project management and technical advisers fees.
2. Authorised the Executive Director, People and Communities Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Councils in consultation with the Interim Corporate Director: Resources, Legal services to award the contract for the construction works to the successful contractor from Lot 2 of the Peterborough City Council Construction Framework following the mini competition process.
3. Authorised the Interim Director for Law and Governance or delegated officers to enter into any other legal documentation on behalf of the Council in relation to this matter.

The Local Authority has a statutory duty to provide school places.  There are significant pressures on the city as a whole to provide SEN school places.  The decision to expand Heltwate School was made by the Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and University following review of demographic data as part of the Addendum to the School Organisation Plan 2015-2020.

As a result of the above, Heltwate School key stage 4 will move into part of the St George’s site. The proposed scheme will:

·         Provide 3 remodelled classrooms

·         Re-locate the car parking at the school to maximise the number of spaces available

·         Create a corridor which links the existing buildings without accessing the hall

·         Refurbishment works to toilets/hygiene rooms, staff room and therapy rooms

·         Works to ensure Equality Act 2010 compliance (both internal and external)

The current Heltwate School is to be moved to the Newark Road site, project due for completion summer 2019.  This is subject to a separate decision notice.

To do nothing – this option was rejected due to the shortage of SEN pupil places in the city and the Local Authority’s statutory duty to provide sufficient school places. Capacity at the existing site at Heltwate is under strain and there is no physical capacity to expand further.

Transport children out of Peterborough– this would have considerable financial implications not only for transport costs but also to purchase places at neighbouring authorities, if available. There are statutory guidelines for distances allowed to transport children with special needs and currently there are limited spaces in neighbouring authorities. This could mean children may need to be sent to residential units at much higher costs.

None.

https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/upload/www.peterborough.gov.uk/council/jobs-and-careers/schools-and-education/SchoolOrganisationPlan-November2015Revision.pdf

https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/upload/www.peterborough.gov.uk/residents/schools-and-education/PCCSchoolOrganisationPlan2017.pdf