Agenda item

(a)  That £300,000 of grant funding (Basic Needs Grant) is allocated to fund construction of a new 27 place Special Education Needs resource unit within the SASH Free School; and

(b)  That in principle agreement is given to grant fund (Basic Needs Grant) a contribution to an all weather pitch at Langley Academy on condition that the value for money of the education and community use benefits can be demonstrated and to delegate to the Chief Executive agreement of the amount following consultation with the Leader and Cabinet member.

(c)  That the Chief Executive following consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet member is given delegated authority to enter into an agreement and or facilitate discussions to deliver approved secondary Free Schools and associated facilities in Slough.

The Chief Executive introduced a report which sought approval to fund specific school facilities and delegate authority to the Chief Executive to progress the necessary agreement to deliver approved secondary Free Schools in Slough.

The Cabinet considered the request to allocate £300,000 from the Basic Needs Grant to construct a 27 place new Special Education Needs (SEN) unit within the new SASH school and to give in principle agreement to provide a contribution to the funding of an all weather pitch at Langley Academy.  Commissioners recognised the importance of providing additional SEN places and felt that the proposal offered excellent value for money.  In relation to the facilities at Langley Academy, Members supported the proposal in principle, subject to ensuring the all weather pitch would be available for community use.  It was noted that discussions were at an early stage and it was agreed to delegate the final agreement to the Chief Executive.  It was also agreed to give the Chief Executive delegated authority to take any necessary steps on the delivery of the approved secondary Free School programme, following consultation with the appropriate Commissioners.

Resolved –

(a)  That £300,000 of grant funding (Basic Needs Grant) be allocated to fund construction of a new 27 place Special Education Needs resource unit within the SASH Free School; and

(b)  That in principle agreement be given to grant fund (Basic Needs Grant) a contribution to an all weather pitch at Langley Academy on condition that the value for money of the education and community use benefits could be demonstrated and to delegate to the Chief Executive agreement of the amount following consultation with the Leader and Cabinet member.

(c)  That the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet member, be given delegated authority to enter into an agreement and or facilitate discussions to deliver approved secondary Free Schools and associated facilities in Slough.