Issue details

Decision

(a)  Support the use of the former Wimborne First School site, in School Lane Wimborne, to increase the capacity of Beaucroft School to create additional specialist provision for Dorset children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

(b)  That the budget allocation as set out in Appendix 3 to enable the project to be delivered, be approved and authority be delegated to the Executive Director for People – Children to enter into a construction contract at the appropriate time, in line with an existing delegation, subject to the outcome of the formal consultation process and provided the project is within the set budget level.

(c)  That the commencement of the required 4 week formal consultation period, in consultation with the Governors of Beaucroft School to formally expand the capacity of the Beaucroft Foundation School by more than 10% or 20 places, at the appropriate time, be agreed.

(d)  That a report will be brought back to Cabinet for a decision on the formal expansion of the school following the consultation process.

(e)  To lease the former Wimborne First School site to the Governors of Beaucroft School for use as post 16 provision on terms to be agreed by the Executive Director of Place, noting that further legal advice is being sought on this matter.

Reason for decision

To support the delivery of this project as part of the Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Capital Strategy 2020 – 2025 which was approved by Dorset Council Cabinet at its meeting on 8th December 2020.

Budget Implications

At their meeting on 6th April 2021 Cabinet agreed a funding commitment of between £35m and £40m to support the implementation of the SEND Capital Strategy, subject to feasibility studies and further planning and individual projects such as this would be brought forward for approval. Noting the funding already agreed for the project at St Mary’s which is known as the Dorset Centre of Excellence (Shaftesbury), this is the first project being brought forward to seek funding from this capital allocation. The estimated cost of works, and therefore budget allocation required to undertake the proposed works at the School Lane premises to make them suitable for use as Beaucroft College is set out in Appendix 3.

Reference documents

Agenda for Cabinet on Tuesday, 27th July, 2021, 10.00 am - Dorset Council (wdwp.local)