Decision details

Proposed decision –

(i).      Release a further £15,924,438 of capital funding from the Children’s, Young People and Education Capital Budget to enable the delivery of the satellite to be completed;

(ii).      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

(iii).     Authorise the Director of Infrastructure to be the nominated Authority Representative within the relevant agreements and to enter into variations as envisaged under the contracts.

Background –

The Beacon Folkestone is a special school for pupils with Profound Severe and Complex Needs (PSCN).  There is no PSCN special school in Dover district, provision has hitherto been made through Specialist Resourced Provision at Whitfield Aspen School (primary) and Dover Christ Church Academy (secondary), together with pupils travelling to special schools in Canterbury, Thanet and Folkestone. In March 2020 this Committee considered a proposal to expand The Beacon School via a satellite site at the former Walmer Science College, Dover, following which the proposal was approved by the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills.   

The report of March 2020 stated that the estimated cost of delivering the satellite, at that point 168 places, had been estimated at £4m, with the first phase costing £1.6m.  This Committee recommended the proposal be amended to deliver 240 places, rather than 168, to enable the satellite to deliver two forms of entry throughout the age structure.  It was recognised this would increase the cost.  This recommendation was endorsed in the final decision (20/00001). 

The costs of delivering this satellite have increased significantly.  The first phase of the satellite opened in April 2021, following the upgrading of a detached block at the College.  This provides 64 places for pupils aged 4-8 years at a cost of £3.1m.  The full scheme is now expected to cost £19,924,438.  Details as to why are set in the report to CYPECC.

How the proposed decision meets the KCC objectives

The commissioning Plan for Education Provision In Kent states that: our (KCC’s) vision is that every child and young person should go to a good or outstanding school.  The proposal supports that vision.

The SEND Strategy 2021-24 has five priorities.  The proposal will support the following priorities :

·       Priority Four: Improve education, care and health outcomes for children and young

·       people with SEND.

·          Priority Five: Ensure children and young people with SEND are included in their local community.

As Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, I agree to:

(i).        Release a further £15,924,438 of capital funding from the Children’s, Young People and Education Capital Budget to enable the delivery of the satellite to be completed;

(ii).       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

(iii).      Authorise the Director of Infrastructure to be the nominated Authority Representative within the relevant agreements and to enter into variations as envisaged under the contracts.