Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member considered the exempt information.

The Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children, and Families considered the report which sought approval for an award of contract to provide Urgent Condition Work at Alexandra Primary School, pursuant to Contract Standing Order (CSO) 16.02. The report also sought, pursuant to CSO 16.02, to approve the issuance of a letter of intent.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the importance of ensuring that there were firm project management arrangements for works undertaken by contractors and suggested that it would be beneficial to meet with school Headteachers in order to share information on projects. The Head of Construction Related Project Delivery noted that communications were taking place with the school and had resulted in some positive project developments, such as undertaking works out of hours to avoid pressure during essential spaces during school hours. It was stated that there was also a delivery plan to assist with project management. It was added that there had been a number of recent works at schools and that there would be reviews with Headteachers in order to document learning points for future contracts.

The Cabinet Member RESOLVED

1.    Pursuant to Contract Standing Order 16.02, to approve the award of contract to Contractor A (identified in the exempt part of the report).

2.    To approve a client construction contingency as outlined in the exempt part of this report strictly managed under change control governance arrangements. Regular updates on any expenditure of the contingency can be provided to the Cabinet Member on request.

3.    To approve the issuance of a letter of intent for up to 10% of the contract value (identified in the exempt part of this report).

Reasons for decision

A major review of the condition and suitability of the Children’s Services estate has been undertaken which has informed the Children’s Service’s asset management plan (CSAMP). This identified condition and suitability deficiencies in the primary, secondary, and wider Children’s Service estate that need addressing in the short, medium, and long-term. Alexandra Primary School is high priority for major works due to issues relating to health and safety and school closure risks.

These works at Alexandra Primary School form part of the programme of repair and improvement works being undertaken by Children’s Services to the school estate following an estate wide review of school condition and compliance. A number of programme delivery options were presented for consideration and approval was subsequently granted to proceed with the design of a number of the most urgent projects. This project forms one of those given approval for urgent commissioning.

While the scheme at Alexandra Primary School relates to the resolution of a number of condition and health and safety issues as part of these works there will be improvements in the school buildings in terms of energy consumption. Specific works generating are:

·         Replacement of existing sash windows with double glazed units

·         Improvements to ceiling/roof insulation

·         Replacement of heating pipework – the new pipework will have improved insulation which will reduce the energy required to heat to temperature required

·         Replacement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 161