To approve the proceeding to the next stage of the rebuilding of Peterchurch Primary School, on the existing site, by commissioning a developed design (Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stage 3) for a traditional and/or modular build.

The design brief will include a requirement that the building must achieve net zero carbon emissions and obtain a green building certificate. As a minimum it should receive Passivhaus certification. The developed design will include the coordinated architectural, structural and building services design and updated cost information.

That:

(a)   the council proceed to the next stage of replacing Peterchurch primary school and associated on-site facilities on its current site; and

(b)  The Director Children and Families be authorised to commission a RIBA stage 3 developed design for the rebuild of Peterchurch primary school within a budget of not more than £300k including fees.

1.         Do nothing – not recommended, a programme of work will need to be carried out over the next 3 years at a cost of approx. £420K, which is a significant amount of the modest maintenance grant supplied by government. In addition to planned work we would expect to incur further cost for reactive work in line with the previous 3 years (£125K). Given the extent of the dilapidation at the school, health and safety issues could arise for which the Council could be held liable. Children will continue to learn in an unsuitable environment.

2.         Close the school – not recommended. The council would have to follow the statutory process as defined in the Education and Inspections Act 2006, which has additional requirements when considering the closure of a rural school. This is a long 5 stage process which will include a published consultation with clear rationale for the closure, alternative options, the impact on the community to name just a few matters that would need to be addressed. The school provides education for up to 150 children. Numbers on roll have fluctuated between 120 and 150 over the past 5 years. There is no capacity in the neighbouring schools to accommodate all the children currently on roll at Peterchurch, additional capacity would therefore need to be provided – at a cost. The nearest five schools are 4.9, 5.3, 6.8, 7.2 & 7.6 miles away from Peterchurch which would involve providing transport to enable the children to attend, this would again come at a cost and would have an impact on the environment. Given the above, it would be hard to justify that Peterchurch Primary is no longer required and the only option is the closure of the school.

3.         Acquire a new site adjacent to Fairfield High School and rebuild Peterchurch primary school there – this option has been explored in great detail and has been deemed as unviable.  A study identified that significant transport and drainage infrastructure would be required. In addition, there was a lack of support from the local parish and schools.