Issue details

Phase 2 Special Support Centre Programme - Allocation of Design Fees

The County Council has a statutory duty to provide sufficient school places for all children who need a place.

There is a need to reduce the number of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) moving from maintained schools and academies into costly out of county education provision.  Increasing provision for children and young people with SEND through the creation of additional places in Specialist Support Centres (SSCs) will assist with the aim of enabling children to attend school locally.

In December 2019 Cabinet approved the proposal to develop phase two of the project for opening additional Special Support Centres in accordance with capital governance processes (decision reference CAB03(19/20)). Following this the County Council’s Multi-Disciplinary Consultant, Faithful+Gould Ltd. (MDC) were appointed to undertake full feasibility studies for the shortlisted Phase 2 SSCs. For each location, a minimum of two options were considered and surveys were undertaken to inform cost estimates and the options appraisal.

This report seeks capital funds to progress designs for 6 of the Phase 2 SSC projects following conclusion of the feasibility phase and identification of the preferred option for each site.

The proposal will positively impact on the outcomes for children and young people with SEND and enable them to be educated locally. This is also a key objective of the County Council’s SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2019 - 2024.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Expenditure > £500,000;

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 01/07/2020

Decision due: October 2020 by Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

Lead member: Councillor Nigel Jupp nigel.jupp@westsussex.gov.uk

Contact: Leigh Hunnikin, Project Manager Email: leigh.hunnikin@westsussex.gov.uk Tel: 033 022 23051.

Consultation process

Representations concerning this proposed decision can be made to the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills via the author or officer contact, by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken.

Democratic Services Contact: Wendy Saunders Tel: 033 022 22553

Background3: Best Start in Life

Decisions

Background papers

  • None