Adult and Children’s Services Cabinet Member – Minutes – 13 October 2011
28 (28) EDUCATIONAL CAPITAL PRIORITY SCHOOLS BUILDING PROGRAMME – The Director of Children and Young People’s Service submitted a report seeking approval to submit individual applications on behalf of schools for funding from the Priority Schools Building Programme.
The report outlined the details of the six Priority Schools. The decision was urgent in order to meet the closing date for applications which was 14 October 2011.
The Director of Children and Young People’s Service explained that the Secretary of State announced on 19 July 2011, the launch of a Priority School Building Programme (PSBP) for schools. This would be a privately financed (PFI) national programme, with a value of capital investment estimated at £2billion and local authorities, academies, and organisations with responsibility for schools were able to submit applications for inclusion in the programme.
The Department for Education (DfE) anticipated that this new initiative would benefit approximately 100 primary, secondary and special schools. It was expected that 20 per cent of the programme would be delivered each year over a five year period, with the first schools opening in the academic year 2014-15. Those included in the initial tranche of projects were expected to commence procurement during the second quarter of 2012.
It was explained that Local Authorities would be responsible for co-ordinating and submitting applications from all maintained schools in their area and the following schools had been selected for inclusion in the programme:
- Baysgarth School
- Crosby Primary School
- Henderson Avenue Primary School
- Brumby Junior School
- Grange Lane Junior and Grange Lane Infants School
- Burton-On-Stather Primary School
It was considered that the new school facilities would make a significant contribution to improving outcomes for children and young people as set out in the Children and Young People’s Plan. Key financial and legal implications were outlined within the report.
Resolved – (a) That the submission of applications to the Priority Schools Building Programme on behalf of the schools identified within the report, on the basis of the key conditions outlined, be approved, (b) that authority be given to the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member to finalise the contents of each application, and (c) that a further report be received on the outcome of the application process in January 2012 or earlier if further information becomes available.