Agree the future arrangements for primary education in the Colwall area following the move of Colwall Church of England primary school in September 2014 into temporary accommodation adjacent to the existing school site.   

THAT:

(a)         it be noted that the existing Colwall school is considered unsuitable for repair;

(b)         subject to development of a satisfactory business case, and having regard to the schools estate strategy scheduled for Cabinet consideration in July 2015,  a new school is built in Colwall to replace it, either on the existing site or at an alternative location in the parish; and

(c)         delegated authority be given to the director for children’s wellbeing to undertake all feasibility work necessary to develop a business case to inform a future decision, with a view to enabling a new school to be operational by September 2018.

1              The agreement for the relocation of Colwall school with a forecast budget of £2m, was only for up to 2 years (September 2016) pending the resolution of the significant damp problems in the permanent school buildings. The findings and conclusions of the subsequent investigative work are such that it is not considered appropriate to make repairs to the existing building. The remedial work could not confidently provide a suitable and safe school in the short medium or long term for the children of Colwall at a reasonable price.

2              The arrangements with the hire of the temporary buildings, which could be purchased or hired for longer that period, possible land options including ownership and purchase are such that detailed and sensitive work will need to be undertaken to ensure the council secures value for money over suitable new school buildings. Providing delegated powers to officers allows the business case to be prepared.  

1              Not to have a school in Colwall. Forecast pupil population data suggests there is a need for a one form entry school (210 places) in the village now and into the foreseeable future.

2              Return to the existing building that has a high risk of structural deficiencies including damp. The cost of minimising the risks associated with recurring damp and making the school suitable for the modern curriculum is such that it is would be more appropriate to provide a new school that is fit for purpose.

3              Consider building a new larger school that would serve other local schools that might need repair or renewal in the future. The nearest schools are Bosbury C of E (NOR 126) and Cradley, VA school (NOR 108) both popular and relatively modern schools. 

4              Continue in the current temporary buildings. The temporary buildings have been secured on a rental agreement for two years with temporary planning permission.  It is considered unlikely that planning permission would be granted to continue beyond five years. The temporary buildings are not suitable on a long term basis and the cost of either purchasing or extending the rental is considerable.