Decision details

To describe the present need and future demand for Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) places in Slough and request capital funding of £18.75m to undertake the next phase of projects that will create 193 new SEN and PRU places over three years.

(a)  That the Thomas Grey building be disposed to Haybrook College under a standard Academy 125 lease to relocate and expand the Key Stage 3 facility currently housed in the Rotunda building.

(b)  That a budget of £1.2m be allocated for the refurbishment of the Thomas Grey building, including a new replacement heating system and roof upgrade which also improves buildings now leased to Littledown School.

(c)  That the former Rotunda site on Belfast Ave be appropriated from the General Fund (Education) to the HRA for a sum to be determined by the District Valuer.

(d)  That around 33% of the vacant Haymill site be disposed to Haybrook College under a standard Academy 125 lease at a peppercorn rent and allocate £3.6m of capital funding to build a small extension and a new Hospitality and Catering facility that will add up to 10 additional SEN places and 40 additional PRU places.

(e)  That £13m be allocated to build the new SEN units at Priory School and Marish Academy and to build a new annex on the current Arbour Vale School site, with all 3 projects being delivered by Slough Urban Renewal.

(f)  That £150k be invested for further refurbishment works at 323 High Street as part of the lease arrangements with Haybrook College, which will be for a 9 year period with a rental income of £35k per annum.

(g)  That the refurbishment works in the Thomas Grey building, the extension and the Hospitality and Catering facility for Haybrook College, Priory SEN unit, Marish SEN unit and Arbour Vale annex using £8.25m of Basic Need grant funding and £10.5m of council borrowing be agreed.

(h)  That the St Anthony’s field (held in the General Fund for Education) be appropriated to the HRA and in return agree to dispose of the land in front of Arbour Vale School (from the HRA) to facilitate the expansion of Arbour Vale School.