Decision details

To request approval and authorisation to proceed with a capital project to remodel existing accommodation at Longvernal Primary School in Midsomer Norton.

The Cabinet Members agree:

1.  To give full approval to a project budget of £672,000 to be included in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 Schools Capital Programme to expand and enhance school place provision at Longvernal Primary School. The total budget to be from S106 (S106) Developer Contributions already received by the Council.

1.  The Council retains the responsibility for pupil place planning in its area and in order to do this effectively must find solutions for the delivery of additional school places where required.

2.  The Council undertakes to ensure school buildings are fit for purpose and provide safe and secure environments.

3.  S106 contributions received are to be spent expanding or enhancing primary school provision in the area.

4.  The additional primary school places needed are required due to pupils generated by new housing development.  The project will be fully funded by S106.

5.  The Primary and Secondary School Organisation Plan 2015-19 (SOP) indicates the Council’s Educational Strategies and Criteria for provision of school places as a result of new housing development or underlying population growth.

6.  To facilitate sustainable methods of transport to school and keep home to school transport costs to a minimum and to aid parental preference, as stated in the SOP.

None.  There was an absolute requirement for additional school places in the Midsomer Norton Area due to the planned new primary free school not being delivered by the Education Funding Agency for September 2017.