Decision details

To approve a hall extension and associated works at Cockburn School. The building works will facilitate an increase in pupil numbers for September 2017.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report providing details of a proposal brought forward to meet the Local Authority’s duty to ensure sufficiency of school places, and which supported the achievement of the Best Council priorities to improve educational achievement and close achievement gaps. Specifically, the submitted report sought the relevant ‘Approval to Spend’ in order to deliver an expansion project at Cockburn (Academy) School to accommodate an increase in the Published Admission Number (PAN) from 210 to 240 from September 2018, including a ‘bulge’ cohort of 60 additional pupils from September 2017.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That Capital expenditure of £1,559,624 to support the increase in PAN at Cockburn School, be authorised, with it being noted that this figure is the maximum project budget and encompasses all works associated with this scheme;

(b)  That the programme dates, as identified within section 4.0 of the submitted report, regarding the implementation of this decision, be noted, with it also being noted that the final delivery date for this scheme is prior to the commencement of term September 2017;

(c)  That the necessary authorisation be provided to enter into a grant agreement with Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust for the sum of £1,559,624, with the terms of the agreement being approved by the Director of Children and Families, under his existing delegated authority;

(d)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for the implementation of such matters is the Head of Learning Systems.

Consultation has taken place to secure approval from the Academy’s Governing Body, the Academy has issued the relevant documentation that relates to ‘making significant changes to an academy’ seeking approval from the DfE to increase pupil numbers. Further consultation has taken place with LCC Planning and Highways colleagues. Ward Member briefings were undertaken as well as wider consultation with local residents and schools.

Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Children & Families

Beeston and Holbeck / Middleton Park Ward Members

Local schools and residents in the affected ward

LCC Highways

LCC Planning Department

Cockburn School Governing Body