Issue - meetings

To receive a report on the funding review for the new Springfield School satellite site at Dean Row, Handforth.

The committee received the report which provided information regarding the need for the council to increase the funding envelope for the new Springfield Special School satellite site at Dean Row in Handforth following detailed assessment of the required works from £3m to £6.1m.

The committee recognised and supported the need to increase provision, however concerns were raised about the increase in costs and the time delay. The Chair highlighted that, despite the increase, the savings that would be made on placements was still expected to be greater than the cost. Officers gave assurances that a review had taken place with a report produced on lessons learned and it was requested that this be shared with the committee.

RESOLVED:

That the Children and Families Committee:

1.    Note the requirement to increase the cost of the build for the delivery of additional SEN places at Springfield School, Dean Row, Handforth to £6.1 m.

2.    Note that the Executive Director of Children’s Services has completed the necessary documentation for the virement of this additional funding for this scheme and the awarding of the contract to build.

The committee adjourned for a short break.