Agenda item

To pre-scrutinise the proposed capital programme for Children’s Services prior to decision by the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services.

The Children and Young People Select Committee received a report from the Director of Children’s Services providing an overview of the Children’s Services Capital Programme for 2024-25 to 2026/27.

Officer’s set out how the capital programme continued with significant schools' construction activity to provide the required primary and secondary places, providing details of the new and proposed schools through to September 2028. Members also noted the details of the major SEND expansion schemes in development to meet the increasing need in this area alongside other potential capital projects for 2024-27 with indicative costs.

The committee heard details of pressures on the capital programme including the effect of inflation in the construction industry, the need to secure developer contributions and the overall size of the programme.

In response to questions members heard that:

·           The Local Authority works closely with Academy Trusts to ensure that resourced provision is supplied where needed.

·           The five year birth forecast is carefully considered to ensure that there is an appropriate number of schools places across the County and in the right places. It was noted that ‘all-through’ schools are less vulnerable to population shifts and that a number of measures such as reorganisation, PAN adjustments and closures can be used when necessary.

·           Developer contributions are very carefully considered to prevent the need to return any unspent funds.

RESOLVED:

That, in regard to the capital programme for Children's Services, the Select Committee supported the recommendations being proposed to the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services.