Decision details

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Economy which sought approval to allocate Basic Needs Funding previously identified to facilitate a one form entry (1FE) expansion at Mayfield Primary School of up to £3.3m.

This would enable the replacement of two car parking areas required for the significant increase in staff numbers, an all-weather pitch and the redesign of the Nursery WC, all of which were considered necessary to the scheme.

The Cabinet noted that Mayfield Primary School was located in the St James area of Oldham and was part of the Cranmer Trust. As part of the Basic Needs Programme of Work, Cabinet had given its approval (April 2019) for £2.5m of basic need funding towards a 1FE expansion at Mayfield primary school. This would facilitate the requirement for an increased number of

places in East Oldham to be available and sufficient surplus places would be provided to ensure that an element of parental choice was facilitated.

Initial early costings by the Cranmer Trust’s project design team estimated the work at £2.85m. Since then the design process for the expansion had made good progress. The pre-tender cost estimate was now £3.3m and the Trust had requested confirmation of additional funding to ensure works could continue and the school be able to open by September 2020.

The changes to the early estimate were due to the replacement of two car parking areas required for the significant increase in staff numbers, an all-weather pitch and a requirement to redesign the Nursery WC, all of which were considered necessary to the scheme. The preliminary estimates, risk allowance and design fees had also been adjusted upwards to reflect these additions.

Options/Alternatives considered:

·       Option 1: Approve the revised cost for a 1 FE expansion to Mayfield Primary School. The cost of this expansion circa £3.3 M and could be accommodated from the School’s Capital allocation.

·       Option 2: Do not approve the revised cost of expansion by 1 FE for Mayfield Primary School. This would not fulfil the Local Authority’s statutory obligation to provide the necessary additional places in East Oldham by 2020.

RESOLVED – That:

1.     A funding award of up to £3.3m from the Basic Needs Fund for a 1 FE expansion at Mayfield Academy be approved.

2.     Authority be delegated to the Director of Education and Early Years to develop, consult, procure and arrange for the execution by the Director of Legal Services of any relevant contracts and incidental and ancillary documentation in accordance with the agreed school expansions programme.