Issue - meetings

To seek approval for inclusion in the 2014/15 schools capital programme improvement projects at two primary schools

Councillor Dine Romero introduced the item by referring to the various elements of the planned investment.  She was delighted to move the proposals.

Councillor David Dixon seconded the proposal.  He felt that the proposals would increase pride in the schools.  He was especially pleased to see the proposal to invest £170K on improving the kitchen facilities to enable the delivery of free school meals to all infant children.  He knew that 43 school kitchens had been inspected over 5 months and all would be ready for September, following the proposed investment.

Councillor Tim Ball was delighted because St Michael’s was in his ward and he knew that the children were excited about getting hot meals from September.

Councillor David Bellotti reminded Cabinet that there was a sound evidence base for the policy because young children who eat proper lunches perform better in the afternoon.  In future, all youngsters would benefit in this way.  He also pointed out that the policy would bring a saving of £400 pa for parents.

Councillor Paul Crossley thanked Ashley Ayre (Strategic Director, People) for drawing up the plans to deliver the scheme.  He was delighted that the area had very good schools with excellent educational outcomes.  He felt that the policy was one of the most exciting policy changes this government had implemented and he hoped to see it extended to Junior children in the future.

On a motion from Councillor Dine Romero, seconded by Councillor Tim Ball, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To APPROVE for inclusion in the 2014/15 Capital Programme:

 (a) Capital Maintenance funding of £150,000 for improvements at Southdown Junior and Southdown Infant schools;

 (b) Capital Maintenance funding of £50,000 for improvements at  Peasedown St John  Primary School;

 (c) Capital Maintenance funding of £170,000 to add to funding received from the Government for works required to enable the provision of free school meals for all infant pupils from September 2014; and

(2) To AGREE the change in use of the Basic Need funding for Saltford Primary school to provide temporary classrooms whilst a permanent solution is developed.