Issue - meetings

Background:

This report sought permission to commence the procurement of the expansion of the Will Adams Pupil Referral Unit, as per Option 8 of the Outline Business Case that was submitted to Cabinet on 29 October 2013.

It was noted that these proposals would provide for a more effective use of the existing accommodation, address the shortfall in current provision and provide flexibility for future expansion. This option also responded to comments made in an Ofsted Report concerning the shortage of places and facilities, following an inspection in September 2012.

The report considered the business case and procurement options for this works/construction procurement. This Gateway 1 report had been approved for submission to Cabinet after review and discussion at Children and Adults Directorate Management Team meeting on 26 November 2013 and Procurement Board on 4 December 2013.

Reasons:

The decision above is provided on the basis that this option addresses most of the PRU’s needs and allows for future development if and when additional funding is made available. This provides more effective use of the existing accommodation, addresses the shortfall in current provision and provides flexibility for future expansion. This option also reduces the building costs and offers the most cost effective solution.

The Council has a statutory duty to provide school places for children resident in Medway as set out in the Education Act 1996. This project is required to enable the Council to discharge that duty.