Purpose

To give delegated authority was to ensure that
projects at Capella House and Nelson Primary School can progress
with pace and be ready for pupils to start in September
2025.

Content

The Executive Director of Finance has

a.Approved the provision of a double classroom accommodation at
Capella House for the minimum period of seven years to meet the
immediate and urgent need for SEN Resource base for 2025/26 intake
with a project cost of £660,000, requiring a capital budget
addition of £660,000

b.Approved the refurbishment works at Nelson Primary School to
create and provide specialist places for pupils with SEND for
2025/26 intake requiring a capital budget addition of
£250,000.

c.Noted the DfE High Needs Allocation announced in March 2025 of
£3,168,044 allocation for 2025/26 to support the SEN capital
programme

Following a discussion between Ian Dodds, Achieving for
Children’s Executive Director of Children’s Services
and Fenella Merry, Richmond Council’s Executive Director of
Finance, a decision was made to approve the recommendations under
delegated authority as set out in the constitution:

(h) To approve additions to the capital programme which are fully
funded by ring-fenced specific funding.