Purpose

Report to allow Grant Agreement of
£0.180m internal refurb to make space for SEND pupils at
Cromwell High School.

Content

That it be DETERMINED that:

1.    
Approval is granted to allocate £0.280m in
capital funding from the High Needs Capital Grant to deliver Phase
1 of internal adaptation works at Cromwell High School. These works
will create a fully functional classroom and group learning space
to accommodate up to eight (8)
pupils with SEND from September 2025.

2.    
Approval is given to enter into a Grant Agreement
with Kingfisher Learning Trust for the sum of £0.280m to
deliver Phase 1 of internal adaptation works
at Cromwell High School.

3.     
The adaptation works are to be delivered under the
oversight of the Education Capital Team, with full project scope
monitoring and cost controls in place to ensure value for
money.

Reasons for the decision

To respond to urgent need for additional
specialist school capacity for children with SEND by repurposing
existing space within Cromwell High School. This will enable the
school to meet the educational and accessibility needs of up to
eight (8) pupils from September 2025, in line with Tameside’s
SEND Sufficiency Strategy and national inclusion
priorities.

This investment will deliver the following long-term
benefits:

·       
Provides in-borough specialist classroom space for
up to eight (8) SEND pupils, reducing reliance on out-of-borough
placements.

·       
Enhances accessibility and care facilities to meet
modern standards and improve the learning environment

·       
Maximises use of existing school space, avoiding the
need for repeat temporary solutions or costly new
builds.