Decision details

Having complied with paragraph 15 of the Council’s Access to Information Procedure Rules

(i)  Approve the addition and spend of £712K in 2019/20 to the Aspiration, Schools and Lifelong Learning programme; to be funded from capital receipts to undertake the necessary replacement to the roof at the school.

(ii)  Enter into a Financial Agreement with Hamwic Education Trust for the £712k funding to be transferred to the Trust in order for the works to be completed by the Trust in accordance with an agreed schedule of works to an agreed standard; in order for the Conversion Date of May 1st 2019 to be achieved.

1.  This report is submitted for consideration as a General Exception under paragraph 15 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules in Part 4 of the City Council’s Constitution, notice having been given to the Chair of the relevant Scrutiny Panel and the Public.  The matter requires a decision in order to complete the conversion of Weston Shore Infants School to an academy by the agreed transfer date of May 1st 2019 in line with the agreed timescale with the Regional Schools Commissioner and the DfE the item was not included on the Forward Plan as the extent of the works were not confirmed until February 2019. 

2.  There is insufficient funding in the Schools Repairs and Maintenance budgets to meet the costs associated with replacing the entire flat roof on the school and therefore a proposal has been taken through Council Capital Board on Tuesday February 26th 2019 to secure the required capital from the corporate Capital Programme

3.  Though Weston Shore Infants School is a small school Hamwic Academy Trust have provided a written undertaking to the RSC and the LA in relation to the long term future for the school.

The potential transfer of Children at Weston Shore Infants School to Weston Park Primary School has been considered and discussed with all stakeholders including The potential transfer of Children at Weston Shore Infants School to Weston Park Primary School has been considered and discussed with all stakeholders including the Regional School Commissioner, (RSC) and with Hamwic Academy Trust. This has been ruled out as a possible alternative.  The RSC and Hamwic Academy Trust have provided written undertaking that Weston Shore infants School will continue to operate as a school.the Regional School Commissioner, (RSC) and with Hamwic Academy Trust. This has been ruled out as a possible alternative.  The RSC and Hamwic Academy Trust have provided written undertaking that Weston Shore infants School will continue to operate as a school.