Issue - meetings

1.         Mr Shovelton and Mrs White introduced the report and summarised the consultation process. They explained that the main driver for the proposal to expand the school was the expansion of housing provision at Iwade.

2.         In discussion, Members made the following comments:-

a)         concern was expressed that some children were currently missing out on school meals (as these were currently brought to the school by an external provider) and the proposed expansion of the school might worsen this situation.  Mrs White responded that the feasibility of including a kitchen in the proposed expansion was being investigated; and

b)         a consultee’s comment included in the report referred to the provision of changing facilities for older children. Officers explained that it was unusual in a Primary School to be able to provide separate changing facilities for boys and girls, although this issue was often raised by schools when seeking improved premises.

3.         RESOLVED that:-

a)         the Education Cabinet Committee endorse the decision proposed to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform, to issue a public notice to expand Iwade Community Primary School by 210 places, from 2FE (60) to 3FE (90), and

   b)         subject to no objections being received to the public notice:

                  (i)         expand the school;

(ii)        allocate £3,500,000 from the Education, Learning and Skills Capital Budget;

(iii)       authorise the Director of Property and Infrastructure Support, in consultation with the Director of Governance and Law, to enter into any necessary contracts/agreements on behalf of the County Council; and

(iv)       authorise the Director of Property and Infrastructure Support to be the nominated Authority Representative within the relevant agreements and to enter into variations as envisaged under the contracts.