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 cabinet member commissioning, procurement and assets introduced the item and stated she was pleased that the project was now moving forward. Challenging conversations had taken place around how best to proceed and how to deliver value for money with the project.

The cabinet member children and families also spoke to the report and highlighted the long development of the project. She acknowledged that the school building was now in very poor condition and that staff and pupils had managed well in these difficult conditions.

The head of educational development summarised the report, setting out the background to the proposal and that the next steps would retain flexibility for future development on the site including co-location with the high school or a specialist provision. The primary school was popular with parents and rated as Good by Ofsted. The council had already spent nearly £200k on reactive works and a considerable additional sum would need to be spent to repair and maintain the building going forward. A complete rebuild was recommended as the most cost effective option and it would also allow for an expansion in numbers to reflect future need in the area. The next piece of work would produce a developed design and more accurate costing.

In discussion of the report cabinet members noted:

•               There was disappointment that the opportunity to create a through school had not generated more enthusiasm in the local community but this could be revisited at some point in the future;

•               The costs would need to be considerably lower than the line entry in the current capital programme;

•               The brief would seek to deliver Passivhaus certification as a minimum and a net gain in biodiversity on the site, this was a welcome step in aligning with the council’s carbon reduction plans;

•               It was unlikely that the primary school would convert to an academy, it would not be supported to convert as a standalone academy and the governing body were reported to be opposed to academisation;

•               There would be opportunities for the children at the school to be involved with and learn from the build process.

Councillor Hewitt as the local ward member paid tribute to the school staff who had struggled for so long with a poor building. She stressed the need to focus on early years and on mental and emotional wellbeing in that phase. She thanked cabinet members for supporting the proposals and noted that the parish council was also supportive. The proposal for a complete new build would be less disruptive than other options considered.

Group leaders were invited to raise comments and queries on behalf of their group. There was general support for the proposals and it was noted that:

•               The previous ward member had also supported this option;

•               The reasons for not progressing a through school were understood and it was important to respect the views of the community;

•               Higher building standards would have to become the norm and the achievement of Passivhaus status would have benefits for the running costs and for the pupils.

It was resolved 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.