Decision details

The Education Funding Agency (EfA) approached Kent County Council to deliver construction projects approved under the Priority Schools Building Programme Round 2.  Projects at Swadelands School, Lenham and Benenden C of E Primary School are the two initial schemes to be delivered.  Further schemes are under discussion and further decisions regarding additional projects will be required in due course.

The Education Funding Agency will provide the appropriate level of funding relating to the Priority School Building Programme Round 2 projects. A detailed Business Case will be provided to the EFA and a Funding Approval letter will be issued confirming the extent of funding to be provided. The construction specification will follow the requirements laid down by the EFA within the Priority School Building Programme.

There is a budget allocation within the Budget Book relating to the Priority School Building Programme, which was agreed to cover additional costs for Basic Need expansions; relocation of existing services and associated costs within both Priority Schools Building Programme Round 1 and 2.

The Swadelands School, Lenham requires the replacement of the current Science classroom building, which is of poor condition and undersized for the requirements of the school.  The EfA have approved the detailed design.

KCC will be provided with a Project Support Grant by the EFA to undertake these projects directly.  The Project Support Grant provides for feasibility and survey costs, together with Project Management costs associated with delivery of each scheme. 

In relation to construction contracts and other related agreements to enable pre-agreed projects under the Priority School Building Programme to be managed by KCC at Swadelands School, Lenham and Benenden C of E Primary School, Benenden, on behalf of the Education Funding Agency, the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Democratic Services has agreed to:

a)     Authorise the Director of Infrastructure in Consultation with the General Counsel to enter into any necessary contracts/agreements on behalf of the County Council and

b)     Authorise the Director of Infrastructure to ensure that the appropriate level of funding is received from the Education Funding Agency to cover the costs of these projects to ensure the Kent County Council does not incur any unforeseen costs and

c)     Authorise the Director of Infrastructure to be the nominated Authority Representative within the relevant contracts/agreements and to enter into variations as envisaged under the contract terms.