The Cabinet Member Signing meeting on Tuesday 16 April 2024 approved the award of a contract for urgent condition and safety works at Hornsey School for Girls. The meeting also approved the issuance of a letter of intent for a portion of the contract value.

Hornsey School for Girls - Urgent Condition and Safety Works

The most significant item discussed was the urgent condition and safety works required at Hornsey School for Girls. Councillor Zena Brabazon, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families, approved the award of a contract to T&B (Contractors) Ltd for £956,302.54. This decision was made following the insolvency of the previous contractor, Diamond Build Plc, which had been appointed in August 2023 to carry out works including the encapsulation of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) panels.

The need for these urgent works arose after RAAC was discovered in the roof of teaching Block A in June 2023, leading to the immediate vacating of several science laboratories and an access corridor. Further deterioration was identified in Block A's top floor and the school hall (Community Theatre), requiring remedial action within 3-6 months. The situation was exacerbated in November 2023 when RAAC panels were found in the school kitchen and a portion of the dining room, necessitating the closure of the kitchen and the provision of a temporary catering facility.

The Department for Education (DfE) has agreed to fund further RAAC encapsulation works to provide a total of seven science teaching labs and associated preparation room space, ensuring the school can deliver its full curriculum. The contract with T&B (Contractors) Ltd is on a fixed-price basis and is projected to be completed by the end of August 2024.

The decision to award the contract to T&B (Contractors) Ltd was based on several factors. They are part of the LCP Major Works Framework, which allows for direct call-offs, making the process more efficient than a full competitive tender. T&B (Contractors) Ltd has prior experience with RAAC mitigation works at Welbourne Primary School and has experience working within Haringey schools. A due diligence check confirmed their financial stability.

Alternative options considered included doing nothing, which would have failed to provide adequate facilities for students, or relocating pupils to other schools. However, the latter was discounted due to a lack of suitable alternative secondary school teaching spaces nearby and the potential detriment to students' education. Bringing the work in-house was also not feasible due to a lack of internal capacity and expertise. A mini-competition via the Council's Dynamic Purchasing System for Minor Works was discounted in favour of a direct negotiation under the LCP Major Works Framework to save time.

The meeting also approved the issuance of a Letter of Intent up to the value of £100,000, as permitted by Contract Standing Order (CSO) 9.07.3, to allow immediate commencement of certain aspects of the work. A client contingency was also approved, to be strictly managed under change control governance arrangements.

The report highlighted that all timber used would be Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) compliant, and new insulation would be installed to minimise heat loss in classrooms where RAAC is being repaired. The costs of the works and certain professional fees are expected to be covered by a grant from the DfE, although discussions are ongoing regarding whether the DfE will cover the costs of Haringey staff working on the project.

The meeting noted that a planning application was not required, but applications to Building Control had been submitted for urgent consideration. The works are expected to have no adverse impact on people with protected characteristics, and an access lift in Block A will remain operational.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Zena Brabazon, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families, and was also attended by Kodi Sprott, Principal Committee Coordinator; Joanna Heard, Project Manager; Michael Coleman, Children's Capital Programme Manager; Claire Barnes, Major Projects Delivery Manager; and Jane Edwards, Assistant Director. The meeting was held on Tuesday, 16th April, 2024, and concluded between 10:10 am and 10:20 am. The decision was formally signed by Councillor Brabazon on 17th April 2024.

The agenda and reports pack for this meeting can be found at:

• Agenda frontsheet 16th-Apr-2024 10.10 Cabinet Member Signing
• Public reports pack 16th-Apr-2024 10.10 Cabinet Member Signing

The minutes of the meeting are available at:

• Printed minutes 16th-Apr-2024 10.10 Cabinet Member Signing