Issue - meetings

The Cabinet will be asked to agree works to separate Radstock Nursery accommodation from Academy of Trinity School, Woodborough Lane for nursery and children centre activities and to provide purpose built modular building for 2-3 yr old and baby day care on another site

Councillor Eleanor Jackson in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 8 and on the Council's website] said that she had been delighted when the governors of St Nicholas school had agreed to locate the new nursery centre on the school’s land.  She commended the council for ensuring the continuity of provision.  Her concern was that the new site would entail a hill climb for some mums with buggies but she accepted that there was little option.

Councillor Nathan Hartley thanked Councillor Jackson for her comments.  The proposals before Cabinet were fully funded and would underline the Council’s commitment to investing in communities.  He thanked the Governors of Trinity School for their help in previous years,  He was now delighted that the need to find a new home had been met, and that the Governors of St Nicholas School had been able to make premises available so that the nursery provision could continue.  He mentioned in passing his intention to bring to July Cabinet a further paper which would increase the opportunities for under-2 year olds.

Councillor Hartley moved a proposal which was slightly amended from the published report so as to emphasise the fully funded nature of the proposals.

Councillor Simon Allen said he was very pleased to second the proposal.  He acknowledged Councillor Jackson’s comments about the climb up the hill, but pointed out that the report did say that transport could be provided if required.

Councillor David Bellotti observed that the government had made the very welcome decision to allow parents to use their 15 hours over two days, if they preferred, as well as the previous scheme which only allowed it to be used over three days.

On a motion from Councillor Nathan Hartley, seconded by Councillor Simon Allen, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To APPROVE a Capital budget of £486k for inclusion in the 2012/13 Capital programme to allow the necessary works to be undertaken;

(2) To AGREE that the project cost of £486k in 2012/13 and will be funded using part of the £2.255m Schools Capital Maintenance Grant 2011/12, which has been carried forward to 2012/13 in the budget report for provisional approval; and

(3) To NOTE that as the capital project will be fully grant funded there will be no grant revenue impacts on the Council.