To 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.   

A revision to recommendation (b) of the report was noted, in recognition of the School Estate Strategy.

The Head of Education Development presented the report. The school building is in poor condition and pupils are in temporary accommodation due to flooding and damp which had affected the fabric of the building. The damp is due to the water table and the nature of the ground at the site and it was concluded that this was not a suitable site for a school. The temporary accommodation required upgrading and so it was necessary to explore the viability of a new school. A bid was submitted to the Government’s School Building Programme and it was agreed that it required major investment. Colwall was the only Herefordshire school successful in the bidding process.  

A Member asked for reassurance regarding the financial implications described in the report. The Head of Education Development confirmed that the intention was to look at a Value for Money solution.

Responding to a Member’s concern over the provision of capital, the Assistant Director, Children’s Wellbeing, explained that there was limited funding and other schools including academies were able to bid. The estates strategy is key in terms of local opportunities to change the financial position for the next 5-10 years, as in for example, the relocation of Broadlands School which released capital for other priorities.

The Chief Financial Officer explained that this formed part of the overall funding strategy. The school is in temporary accommodation with high rental costs and urgent action is required. The report shows that it would not be value for money to return to the original site, due to further flooding risk, and so the intention would be to look at alternative provision in relation to the overall strategy. The school is included in the capital programme for rebuild and it is anticipated that government funding would reduce council borrowing.

In response to a Member’s question regarding ongoing work with academies, the Director of Children’s Wellbeing confirmed the requirement to join funding streams and whilst the council is not responsible for all buildings, it has a responsibility to provide a place for children to attend school.

The leader of It’s Our County asked about the consequences of other schools claiming through the strategy which would present high risk regarding future obligations. The Head of Education Development explained that this must be seen in the context of the estates strategy for the next 10-15 years and the release of capital and government grants and revenues. 

A Member commented that the long-term solutions for the whole estate must be considered along with where the school places are and taking into account the needs of other schools. 

The Chair of the General Overview and Scrutiny Committee confirmed that the estates strategy is scheduled for that Committee’s agenda on 10 March 2015.

RESOLVED

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67