Issue - meetings

To receive a report by the Corporate Director of Education and Young People Services that sets out the need for a new school at the Knights Park development, Tunbridge Wells; the associated financial implications and Academy presumption process followed by KCC which is aligned to the Academy/Free School Presumption Guidance 2013.

(Report by Mr P Leeson, Corporate Director for Education and Young People Services Cabinet Committee)

(Mr J Nehra, Area Education Officer for West Kent and Mr K Shovelton were present for this item)

1.         The Area Education Officer for West Kent, Mr Nehra, introduced the report that sets out the processes undertaken to establish a new school at Knights Park, Tunbridge Wells and the associated financial implication for Kent County Council.

2.         Mr Nehra advised that this was key to delivering sufficient primary school places in Tunbridge Wells and the SEND Strategy. A proposal had been submitted to the Secretary of State and a decision on the appointed academy sponsor was expected in May 2014.  He then highlighted an amendment to paragraph 2.2 a ii. third line which should read “However the cost net of the developer contributions is expected to be approximately £1.6m.”

3.         Mr Balfour moved the report, seconded by Mrs Stockell.

4.         RESOLVED that:-

a)        the Education and Young People Services Cabinet Committee endorses the decision to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform to:

                       i.   Allocate £5.4 million from the Education Learning and Skills Capital Budget to fund the capital cost of the new primary school at Knights Park.

                      ii.   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.

                    iii.   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.