Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Decision approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 4, 2025

Purpose:

Content: Decision   For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree:   i)  For funding of up to £8.9million to be split as follows:   a)  Funding of up to £7million for JFK Special School (Stratford site). This will increase the site capacity for a further 20 learners with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), replace existing temporary units and refurbish the existing hydrotherapy pool. b)  Funding of up to £225k for Ranelagh Primary School, to increase its current autism Resource Provision (RP) from 14 to 21 places. c)  Funding of up to £175k for Gallions Primary School, to increase its current autism RP from 14 to 21 places. d)  To provide funding of up to £1.5 million to be split between 14 smaller projects which will not deliver additional places, but will support more inclusive learning environments. The projects and amount of funding is illustrated in Appendix 1 of this report. This funding will be distributed to the schools/settings as a grant. ii)  To the procurement of the expansion works at Ranelagh Primary school at a cost of approximately £225k, to be procured using traditional single stage tender JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) intermediate contract with Newham Amendments 2016. iii)  To the procurement of JFK Special School Stratford site at a cost of £7million to be procured using a JCT Design and Build Contract 2016 – a two stage process, with the Council’s Amendments. iv)  To note that approvals will be sought separately for capital investment in Newham College of Further Education, to create additional provision for learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and PMLD needs, following completion of feasibility studies.   Alternatives Considered   a)  The Council’s other option would have been to allocate funding to providers by our own selection process without an open expression of interest process. However, officers wanted to ensure an equitable process and also to allow schools and settings to develop creative solutions to some of Newham’s challenges. b)  The Council could have selected other providers which made bids, however, the selection process was robust and fair and therefore the recommended projects have been identified as the most appropriate. c)   Do nothing. This is not recommended as it is likely to result in significantly more children and young people living in Newham being educated out of the borough, or having no suitable school or college place at all. d)  The alternative procurement routes were considered for JFK Stratford however due the size of the project it allows early interaction with the contractors, which overall creates great value for money. Given the nature of the works any proposed, procurement must be compliant with the procurement regulations. e)   Due to the value of the works at Ranelagh school being around £250,000 it lends itself to follow the route of traditional single stage tender JCT intermediate contract with Newham amendments 2016.