Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, which provided an update on Schools Capital Funding.

The report set out details of funding received via the Healthy Pupil Capital Fund (HPCF); additional capital works requirements for the remodelling of Ashley School and Simms Cross School; and Social, Emotional and Mental Health Resource Bases at Beechwood Primary School and at Halton Lodge Primary School.

It was reported that the HPCF funding for 2018/19 was a result of revenue generated from the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, with Halton’s allocation being £70,362. The funding – allocated for one year only - was to be used for improving the physical and mental health of children and young people. It was reported that the funding would be distributed equally to Halton’s Community and Voluntary Controlled Nursery, Primary and Special Schools.

The additional capital work requirements at Ashley and Simms Cross Schools would allow for internal remodelling for an enhanced learning/school environment at each school. An element of the capital works had been approved by the Board at its meeting on 18 January 2018.

Special Provision Capital Funding had been announced by the Department for Education for local authorities to invest in provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. It was noted that Halton’s allocation over a three year period would be £500,000. It was recommended that two specific resource bases be accommodated at Beechwood Primary School and Halton Lodge Primary School, with additional accommodation to be built specifically to support children in Foundation and Key Stage 1.

Reason(s) for Decision

To deliver and implement the capital programmes.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Implementation Date

The works at Simms Cross School and Ashley School needed to be completed by September 2018. It was anticipated that the works at Beechwood and Halton Lodge Primary Schools would be completed in time for the 2019/20 academic year.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the Healthy Pupil Capital Fund (HPCF) and application procedure for 2018/19 be noted;

2)    the proposals for capital works at Ashley School and Simms Cross Primary School, funded from the Basic Need Capital Funding, be approved; and

3)    the proposals regarding the provision of Social, Emotional and Mental Health Resource Bases at Beechwood Primary School and Halton Lodge Primary School, together with the publishing of statutory notices, be approved.