Agenda item

Due to the urgency of this decision, the Chair of Overview and Scrutiny has agreed that the call-in procedure shall not apply to this urgent decision. This is because the decision is urgent and any delay in implementation caused by the call-in procedure would seriously prejudice the Council's or the public's interests due to the fact that there is an urgent need to secure a contract with a temporary classroom provider in order to mobilise and install 11 temporary classrooms at the earliest opportunity.  This decision will reduce the impact temporary teaching arrangements is expected to have on the quality of teaching and learning, ensure the wellbeing of students and staff and secure exam facilities for May. 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 is both reasonable in all circumstances, and that it should be treated as a matter of urgency. This is in accordance with Part 4, Section H, and Paragraph 18 (a) and (b) of the Council Constitution.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families considered the report which sought approval for an award of contract to provide the following temporary accommodation; 13 classrooms, 1 office and 4 toilets for an 18 month hire period at Park View Secondary School.

Following an inspection of teaching Block A at Park View School by an external structural engineer, Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was discovered forming part of the structural slab of the roof.  On the 14^th of April 2023 due to the risk of failure and collapse of this building element it was recommended that the top floor of the building, consisting of 14 classrooms and office space, immediately be vacated.  It has been confirmed by the structural engineer that the other floors of the building can be safely used by students and staff.  A curriculum and space analysis has been undertaken and it has been determined that the school requires temporary accommodation including 13 classrooms, 1 shared office and 4 toilets until the structural issue can be remediated.

Officers provided information on the procurement process and potential future options for the school and the Cabinet Member was satisfied that all options had been explored.

The Cabinet Member thanked all officers for their hard work to bring the report for decision.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families RESOLVED to:

1.            Approve, pursuant to Contract Standing Order (CSO) 9.07.1d) and CSO 16.02, the award to Contractor A named in Part B exempt report of a contract to provide temporary accommodation (13 classrooms, 1 office and 4 toilets) for an 18 month hire period at Park View Secondary School for a fixed price of £1,134,000 plus a contingency as set out in the Part B exempt report.

2.            Approve, pursuant to CSO 9.07.3, the issuance of a letter of intent for up to 10% of the contract value, namely £113,400. 

Reasons for decision

Following an inspection of teaching Block A at Park View School by an external structural engineer, Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was discovered forming part of the structural slab of the roof.  On the 14^th of April 2023 due to the risk of failure and collapse of this building element it was recommended that the top floor of the building, consisting of 14 classrooms and office space, immediately be vacated.  It has been confirmed by the structural engineer that the other floors of the building can be safely used by students and staff.  A curriculum and space analysis has been undertaken and it has been determined that the school requires temporary accommodation including 13 classrooms, 1 shared office and 4 toilets until the structural issue can be remediated.

Due to the urgency of providing this temporary accommodation, a Cabinet Member signing has been requested in May 2023 to meet space requirements for teaching and learning and minimise the disruption to the school flowing from the loss of this accommodation.  

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee has, in accordance with Part Four, Section D, Rule 17.1 of the Council’s Constitution, agreed that the taking of the decision recommended in this report is urgent and cannot reasonably be deferred and has supported the decision to waive the requirements of the Constitution in Part Four, Section D, Rule 13 and the 5-day notice period requirement for key decisions set out in Part Four, Section D.  It was agreed the decision was urgent and time critical in accordance with Part Four Section H Rule 18 (a) and 18 (b).

Interim teaching arrangements have been in place at the school from Monday 17th April 2023.  These consist of teaching many pupils in shared/communal spaces such as the sports gym.  This is not sustainable and is impacting the quality of teaching and learning and additionally the gym is required to support GCSE exams from mid-May.

The Chair of Overview and Scrutiny further agreed that the call-in procedure shall not apply to this decision. This is because the decision is urgent, and 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.

Alternative Options Considered

Do nothing – this would result in a failure by the Council to make adequate provision for teaching and learning for the students at Park View School.

Relocate pupils to other schools. This option was discounted as being detrimental to the children’s education.