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  • Cabinet Member decisions
  • Cabinet Member decisions

    Earlier - Later

    Decisions published

    03/04/2020 - 20/00001 - Proposal to open satellite provision of the Beacon Folkestone at the former Walmer Science College and increase the designated number from 380 places to 620 places ref: 2333    Recommendations Approved

    Background Information:

    Across Kent, the number of pupils with an EHCP has increased significantly.  Figure 1 shows that, as of January 2015, there were 7,374 pupils aged between 0-25 years of age with an EHCP, by January 2019 the number had increased to 11,763, an increase of 60%.  There have been significant increases across all need types but particularly for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs, Speech, Language & Communication Needs and Moderate Learning Difficulties.  The increase in the number of pupils with an ECHP is having an impact on the need for places within our special schools and the SRPs within mainstream schools.  This is being particularly felt within our schools designated as PSCN, such as The Beacon Folkestone, which provide for pupils that have more than one need type.

     

    Access to a maintained special school place in Dover is limited by the fact that the two special schools in the District, The Elms and Portal House, both cater for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (SEMH).  There is no special school designated to cater for PSCN; Dover and Dartford being the only 2 of the 12 districts in Kent not to have such a facility.  Instead, Dover has two specialist resourced provisions (SRPs) designated for pupils with PSCN at Whitfield Aspen Primary School and at Dover Christ Church Academy.  To support the increasing need for specialist places for pupils with PSCN within the District, particularly in the primary sector, the designated number of places available at Whitfield Aspen Primary School has grown from 58 in 2014 to 112 in 2019.  However, this is clearly still not sufficient, as at January 2020 there were 128 pupils on roll in the SRP.  The designated number at Dover Christ Church Academy is 40 and presently there are 54 pupils on roll.  As pupils leave the primary sector there are insufficient local specialist places and pupils have to travel out of the District to receive appropriate support.  This has become an increasing issue as larger primary school rolls enter the secondary sector.  Opening a satellite of the Beacon at the Walmer site will go some way to ensuring there is sufficient specialist provision for pupils with PSCN within Dover district.

     

    The pressure for PSCN places has not been limited to one need type.  We have particular pressures for provision which will support needs of pupils with combined Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) or Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD).  The buildings at the former Walmer Science College would be more suited to these need types.

     

    The need to add additional ASD provision has been highlighted.  In June 2019 the plan to add ASD provision via the commissioning of a new 168 place ASD provision within the former Walmer Science College building was brought to the attention of the Children’s, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee.

     

    This was incorporated in a report which outlined how Officers proposed to allocate the additional £4,600,000 funding from the Government’s Special Provision Capital Fund to increase specialist ASD provision across the County.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

    Decision published: 03/04/2020

    Effective from: 15/04/2020

    Decision:

    We are proposing to open a 168-place satellite of The Beacon Folkestone at Walmer Science College, formally a mainstream secondary school which was vacated in August 2018.  We plan to refurbish the buildings in phases, with the aim that the initial provision is open in September 2020.

     

    Initial, high level feasibilities have shown that the site and present facilities at former Walmer Science College could be swiftly reinstated to provide the facilities needed for the satellite of The Beacon Folkestone.  In particular, the buildings would be more suited to pupils with ASD and a combination of SLD/MLD. 

     

    We are planning to deliver the satellite in phases.  Phase one would see complete refurbishment of the Compass Centre, to provide an Early Years and Key Stage One block with outdoor play space, and further enabling works such as: a drop off and pick up area, car parking for staff, visitors and taxis/minibuses and the removal of the ROSLA building.  The addition of the enabling works at this point will increase the capital outlay required during the first phase, reducing it in further phases.

     

     

    Division affected: Deal & Walmer; Folkestone East;

    Lead officer: David Adams


    01/04/2020 - 20/00022 - Supported Lodgings for Young People Leaving Care ref: 2331    Recommendations Approved

    Background Information:

     

    KCC currently has a two-year contract plus two-year extension with Catch 22 for the delivery of Supported Accommodation in a Family Environment (SAIFE) – officially known as Supported Lodgings provision.  This contract is due to expire on 31st May 2020, having utilised the two-year extension.

     

    The service provides 16-21-year-old young people who are in care or who are care leavers (aged 21-25 if in further education) with accommodation and support. This is delivered through a family setting, known as a “Host”, who provides guidance and support to the young person, with the aim of supporting them to independence. The current provider Catch 22 is contracted to recruit, train, manage and support the Hosts including any Staying Put arrangements, when a young person in Foster Care wishes to remain in situ after their 18th birthday under Kent County Councils Staying Put Policy.  The Foster Carer will convert to a Host and will be managed by Catch 22.  Young People placed in this accommodation have their own room in the Hosts family home and will be given support by the adult(s) in the home.

     

    There are three levels of support (Standard, Complex and Intensive) which are based on the number of hours required each week to support the Young People.

     

    The annual contract value is £335,976 for management costs and approximately £1.9 million for support costs/rent, which varies each year as this figure is based on demand. Young people are expected to claim eligible benefits including universal credit and housing benefit to contribute towards the costs of the provision.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Integrated Children's Services

    Decision published: 01/04/2020

    Effective from: 09/04/2020

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services,I agree to:

     

    a)    the continuation of Supported Lodgings and Staying Put accommodation for Children and Young People aged 16-21 years (or up to 25 if in further education) through a change of delivery from contracted provision to being managed in-house;

     

    b)    a short extension of no more than nine months to the current contracted arrangements, currently due to expire on 31 May 2020, to enable the changes to take place; and

     

    c)    delegation of authority to the Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services, to take relevant actions, including but not limited to establishing the new in-house service, as necessary to implement this decision.

    Division affected: (All Division);

    Lead officer: Christy Holden, Caroline Smith


    01/04/2020 - 20/00035 - The emergency purchase of bulk Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ref: 2332    Recommendations Approved

    Reason(s) for decision:

     

    Emergency purchase of bulk Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hand sanitiser, wipes, aprons, masks, gloves, and goggles.  This forms an integral part of the Council’s response to the outbreak of the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the measures to reduce the risk of further human-to-human transmission.

     

    To secure supplies of appropriate PPE bulk orders with suppliers must be placed.  This requires KCC to make significant financial commitments and also plan for ongoing review and replenishment of stock in a challenging market.

     

    The PPE is for use by KCC and for mutual aid to KCC’s suppliers where they are unable to source supplies.  KCC will pay for the additional cost and usage of PPE during the outbreak from the additional funds (£39m) provided by central government.  When KCC provides mutual aid, the provider will be charged the full cost, recognising that any cost increases they incur will be reflected in the contract price KCC pays for service delivery, so also drawn from the additional funds KCC receives.

     

    Decision Maker: Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services

    Decision published: 01/04/2020

    Effective from: 01/04/2020

    Decision:

    As Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, I agree to;

     

    (a)   the emergency purchase of bulk Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including but not limited to hand sanitiser, wipes, aprons, masks, gloves and goggles;

    (b)   the ongoing review and replenishment of KCC stocks of PPE as required to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic; and

    (c)   delegate authority to the Strategic Commissioner to take relevant actions, including but not limited to, reviewing and agreeing the necessary replenishment of stock over the course of the pandemic, placing orders and entering into relevant contracts and other legal agreements, as necessary to implement this decision.

    Lead officer: Vincent Godfrey


    25/03/2020 - 20/00021 - Proposal to expand Mayfield Grammar School, Pelham Road, Gravesend, Kent DA11 0JE by increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 180 places to 210 places for Year 7 entry in September 2021 ref: 2330    Recommendations Approved

    Background Information:

     

    Kent County Council (KCC) as the Local Authority has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient school places are available. The County Council’s Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2020-24 is a five-year rolling plan which is updated annually. It sets out our future plans as Strategic Commissioner of Education Provision across all types and phases of education in Kent. A copy of the plan can be found using this link: http://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/education-skills-and-employment-policies/education-provision.

     

    Forecasts indicate a growing demand for Year 7 places in Gravesham from the start of the 2020-21 academic year.  The Gravesham and Longfield Selective Planning Group is forecast to have a deficit of 62 places (2FE) for the 2021-22 intake and increases again to 99 places (3.3FE) by 2023/24.

     

    As part of the measures being taken to address the capacity issues illustrated above, KCC is proposing that Mayfield Grammar School increase their PAN to 210 for 2021.

     

    To expand Mayfield Grammar School, KCC are proposing the removal of the old wooden block and building a new block at the school, together with other infill and enhancement work to social spaces.  This work would be completed before the September 2021 intake.  This build would enable the school to offer 210 Year 7 places for September 2021.

     

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

    Decision published: 25/03/2020

    Effective from: 02/04/2020

    Decision:

    The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills agrees to:

     

    i.  endorse the expansion of Mayfield Grammar School, Pelham Road, Gravesend, Kent DA11 0JE by increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 180 places to 210 places for Year 7 entry in September 2021;

     

    ii.  agree to fund the expansion from the schools basic need capital budget; and

     

    iii. delegate authority to the corporate director to take necessary actions, including but not limited to entering into necessary contracts or taking other legal actions as required, to implement the decision.

     

    Division affected: Northfleet & Gravesend West;

    Lead officer: Ian Watts


    25/03/2020 - 19/00094 - Proposal to expand Meopham School, Wrotham Road, Meopham, Gravesend, Kent, DA13 0AH, by increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 140 places to 210 places from September 2021 ref: 2329    Recommendations Approved

    Background:

     

    Kent County Council (KCC) as the Local Authority has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient school places are available. The County Council’s Commissioning Plan for Education Provision in Kent 2019-23 is a five-year rolling plan which is updated annually. It sets out our future plans as Strategic Commissioner of Education Provision across all types and phases of education in Kent. A copy of the plan can be viewed from this link:

     

    http://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/education-skills-and-employment-policies/education-provision.

     

    It is anticipated that there will be significant short and medium-term pressure for additional Year 7 places in the Gravesham and Longfield Non-Selective Planning Group which indicates that additional capacity will be needed for 2021 and in later years.

     

    Therefore, KCC has asked Meopham School to provide additional places for local children by expanding the school.

     

    KCC propose increasing the accommodation and the amount of school social space including, dining, recreational and circulation space over the expansion period.   This work would be completed before the September 2021 intake.  This build would enable the school to offer 210 Year 7 places for September 2021.

     

    Options:

     

    Meopham School is a popular school that was judged ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in February 2019.

     

    There are seven secondary schools in the Gravesend and Longfield Non-Selective Planning Group.  These are: Longfield Academy, Meopham School, Northfleet School for Girls, Northfleet Technology College, Saint George's CE School (Gravesend), St. John's Catholic Comprehensive School and Thamesview School.

     

    Of these, Thamesview School, St George’s CE School, Northfleet School for Girls are either being expanded, or are the subject of a future proposal to expand.  Northfleet Technology College is under feasibility for an expansion and Longfield School has been offering additional places under local arrangements for several years.  Meopham School is the only remaining candidate for expansion.

     

    Meopham School is a popular and successful school and the proposal to increase the number of secondary places at the school is therefore, in line with the expectation of expanding popular & successful schools.  The proposal is to add an additional 70 places taking the school PAN up to 210 for September 2021.  It will be achieved through building additional accommodation and service space on the Meopham School site.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

    Decision published: 25/03/2020

    Effective from: 02/04/2020

    Decision:

    The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills is asked to:

     

    i.           agree to expand Meopham School, Wrotham Road, Meopham, Kent DA13 0AH by increasing the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 140 places to 200 places from September 2021;

     

    ii.         agree to fund the expansion from the schools’ basic need capital budget; and

     

    iii.        delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education to take necessary actions, including but not limited to entering into necessary contracts or taking other legal actions as required, to implement the decision.

    Division affected: Gravesham Rural;

    Lead officer: Ian Watts


    24/03/2020 - 20/00020 - Proposed Revision of Rates Payable and Charges Levied by Kent County Council for Children's Social Care Services in 2020-21 ref: 2328    Recommendations Approved

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Integrated Children's Services

    Decision published: 24/03/2020

    Effective from: 01/04/2020

    Decision:

    The Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services agrees to:

     

    (i)        AGREE the proposed changes to the rates payable and charges levied for Children’s Services in 2020-21 as detailed in section 2 of this report;

     

    (ii)       AGREE the proposed changes to the Kent Fostering Payment Policy in 202-21 as detailed in section 3 of this report including changes to the Parent & Child Payment Policy;

     

    (iii)      NOTE both the changes to the rates that are set by the Government/external agencies: Inter-agency charges and Essential Living Allowance and; any charges to other Local Authorities for use of in-house respite residential beds are to be calculated on a full cost recovery basis; and

     

    (iv)      DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director of Children, Young People and Education, or other nominated officer, to undertake the necessary actions to implement the decision

     

    Division affected: (All Division);

    Lead officer: Karen Stone


    23/03/2020 - 20/00024 - Local Growth Fund Round 3b Third Party Scheme - Kent and Medway Medical School ref: 2327    Recommendations Approved

    Background:

     

     

    In the Growth Deal announcements in July 2014 (Round One), January 2015 (Round Two), and February 2017 (Round Three) the Government allocated £570 million from the Local Growth Fund to capital projects across the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) area.

     

    As the end of the Growth Deal (March 2021) approaches, a number of projects throughout the SELEP region have experienced difficulty with delivery. To date, £33.396m of funding has been returned to SELEP for reallocation to projects which have demonstrated they can be delivered by March 2021.  Through this process, an allocation has been made available for the Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS).  This scheme is being delivered by external partners (The University of Kent and Canterbury Christchurch University).

     

    KCC will transfer the LGF funding to the third parties for the delivery of the scheme. A Legal agreement has been prepared between KCC and the Universities which will transfer all the LGF spend and project management responsibility to them.  This includes updating Kent County Council monthly on project progress and spend; as well as completing the post scheme monitoring required by SELEP.

     

    The KMMS will be delivered in line with the current governance arrangements under the Local Growth Fund (KCC and SELEP). Therefore, the scheme will carry out necessary consultation and equality impact assessments as part of the scheme progression.

     

    The business case for the first phase of the Kent and Medway Medical School (£4m) was approved at SELEP Accountability Board on 15th November 2019.  The second phase (a further £4m) does not require funding until 2020/21 and therefore will be considered by SELEP Accountability Board on 15th May 2020.

     

    Before the legal agreement can be finalised for KMMS, a key decision is required.  The LGF cannot be drawn down until the Key Decision is in place.

     

    ·         Options

    The options considered for the KMMS are set out in the business case document which can be accessed here:

     

    Kent and Medway Medical School (pages 33-37)

    https://www.southeastlep.com/app/uploads/2000/01/KMMS-Full-Business-Case.pdf

     

    ·         How the proposed decision meets the objectives of ‘Increasing Opportunities, Improving Outcomes: Kent County Council’s Strategic Statement (2015-2020)’

     

    The scheme has a strong fit with all three objectives. The state-of-the-art Medical School will provide enhanced training and academic opportunities for young people and mature students in Kent.  In addition, it will attract and retain medical students into Kent to fill the GP gap which is currently prevalent within the County; giving all residents of Kent (and particularly older and vulnerable residents) a better opportunity to stay healthy and live independently.

     

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

    Decision published: 23/03/2020

    Effective from: 31/03/2020

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, I approve the progression, via KCC’s Local Growth Fund arrangements, for the Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS), allowing it to progress to the stages of development and delivery to enable the scheme funding to be spent by March 2020.

     

    Specifically, tis comprises approval for:

     

    -       KCC to act as the accountable body for the project

    -       KCC to enter into a Local Growth Fund (LGF) funding agreement; and

    -       KCC to enter into legal agreements with the relevant third parties delivering the schemes to transfer the conditions of the LGF spend and project management to them

     

    I also agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of GET, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance and Procurement, to enter into relevant legal agreements and take other actions necessary to implement this decision.

    Division affected: Canterbury City North; Canterbury City South; Canterbury North; Canterbury South;

    Lead officer: Tim Read


    20/03/2020 - 20/00002 - Proposal to change the age range at Goldwyn School, Ashford from 11-16 years to 11-18 years ref: 2326    Recommendations Approved

    Background Goldwyn School is a maintained special school designated to support pupils aged 11-16 years with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH).  It is judged as Outstanding by OFSTED.  Presently the school is designated to take 115 pupils aged 11-16 years of age.  However, due to the increased need for specialist SEMH places the School has been commissioned to provide up to 150 places for the last few years. This proposal would formalise the current situation, while at the same time increasing the age range to 18 years in order to add a sixth form, adding a further 45 post-16 places, taking the final designated number to 195 places.

     

    Options - No other option were considered as this is the only SEMH specialist School in the District

     

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

    Decision published: 20/03/2020

    Effective from: 28/03/2020

    Decision:

    The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills agrees to:

     

    (i)            Change the age range at Goldwyn School, Ashford from 11-16 years to 11-18 years in order to add sixth form provision, adding 45 post-16 places, and

     

    (ii)          increase the designated number at key stage 3/4 by 35 places. 

     

    Division affected: Ashford Rural West; Ashford South; Folkestone East;

    Lead officer: David Adams


    20/03/2020 - 20/00016 - Section 106 Funding ref: 2325    Recommendations Approved

    Background:

     

    KCC receive developers’ contributions (S106) to support the additional demand on services for young people created as a result of new housing developments. Currently, KCC has secured almost £1.3m of S106 funding for youth services, with a further £582k awaiting process. There is a further £1.5m that has been approved and will become payable once houses are built. Kent’s growth agenda will result in many new housing developments planned. As these reach planning, ICS will request a youth S106 contribution. This is currently being based upon a figure in the region of £7 per home.Working with KCC Property and Infrastructure, ICS are now in an early stage of ‘testing’ an increase figure of £65.50 per home, for youth work, which is based upon a greater understanding of our service as current thinking is based on a model which pre-dates the development of an integrated service where we may have just wanted some delivery space in every new development but which was not targeted or joined up.

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Integrated Children's Services

    Decision published: 20/03/2020

    Effective from: 28/03/2020

    Decision:

    The Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services agrees to:

     

    1. Approve the introduction of four dedicated area based detached youth work teams, using S106 funding to cover staffing and associated equipment costs, as set out in the report.

     

    1. Approve the allocation of £2k per district to each Local Children’s Partnership Group (LCPG), to be spent over two years, to ensure the inclusion of young people’s voice across the district (total cost of £24k). This spend is to be agreed by LCPG and overseen by the Area Partnership Managers.

     

    1. Acknowledge that whilst some of the S106 will be spent on youth capital costs, this will not be in replacement of Total Facilities Management/Property and Infrastructure budget and responsibilities.

     

    1. Approve the remainder of the S106 funding to be considered to provide additional capacity in youth teams and any local district projects. This may also include costs associated with a Fleet Review.

     

    Division affected: (All Division);

    Lead officer: Hema Birdi