Issue - meetings

The Chair of Overview and Scrutiny has agreed that the decision is both reasonable in all the circumstances and that it should be treated as a matter of urgency as any delay would seriously prejudice the Council's interests in the delivery of education. The provision of adequate temporary teaching facilities will enable the Council to meet its statutory obligation by minimising partial closure periods, providing education in a safe and appropriate environment, and securing the best possible outcome for students. Accordingly, the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee has agreed that the decision sought is both reasonable in all circumstances and should be treated as a matter of urgency. This is in accordance with Part Four, Section H Rule 18 (a) and 18 (b) of the Council’s Constitution.

The Cabinet Member for Children Schools and Families considered a report seeking a waiver of Contract Standing Order 9.01 (requirement to tender)  Contract Standing Order 10.01.1a on the basis of 10.01.2.(d)(ii) and approval for an award of contract to Diamond Build Plc for a value of up to £682,017.52, including a provisional sum of £125,000 and a contingency of £162,000.88, for urgent condition and safety works at the Hornsey School for Girls. This was Pursuant to Contract Standing Order (CSO) 9.07.3 to approve the issuance of a letter of intent in the value of £100,000.

The Cabinet Member noted the background to this required urgent decision. The Council had instructed a structural engineer to carry out a full inspection of the

school, and Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was discovered in the roof of teaching Block A. This necessitated identified classrooms being immediately vacated.  A detailed report provided on 26 June 2023 also identified RAAC panels to the top floor of Block A and the Performing Arts block that were deteriorated to an extent that remedial action is required within 3-6 months.  Given the amount of work required to address these structural issues officers advised that it was not considered feasible to complete rectification of all areas in Block A by September 2023. 

The Cabinet Member sought clarification on what works the contract would be funding in this first phase and it was noted that this was four science labs and a preparatory classroom. There would be a second phase to this project to undertake remaining works. There would be further discussions with the DFE for funding of these required second phase of works.

The Cabinet Member further noted that to ensure alternative teaching space could be identified, the Council had appointed an architect to work with the school to ascertain minimum space requirements. The architect proposed a solution using space within the existing school buildings, which had meant there was not a need to secure temporary classrooms.

In response to a question from the Cabinet Member, the proposed expenditure was being funded through the approved capital programme and further discussions were being held with Department for Education with regards to potentially providing funding for the next phase of these works as set out in 6.10 in the report.

It was noted that the classrooms would be ready by 12^th September. The Contractor Diamond Build PLC was already on site completing some existing enabling works and it would take a further six weeks to complete these works with students ready to access the science laboratories by the 12^th September. There would be a staggered start to the start of the school term, starting with Year 7, Year 8 and then Year 11. It was noted that further works will be required to rectify the remaining Science labs and other teaching and support areas in Block A and therefore likely there will be a second phase of works.

The Cabinet Member praised the school’s major projects delivery team for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4