Issue - meetings

1.

Title of Item/Report

Schools Capital Investment Strategy - Northfield and Oxbridge

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report that sought approval for the allocation of capital funding to support two priority projects under the Council’s School Investment Strategy: the refurbishment of pupil toilet facilities at Northfield School and funding for final stages of the development at Oxbridge Primary School.

In October 2022, Cabinet approved the revised proposals relating to the school investment strategy of unallocated funds to support investment in Oxbridge Lane Primary School and Bishopton Centre Pupil Referral Unit.   Whilst the works on Bishopton Centre completed in April 2024, with the introduction of 20 additional places for children who require alternative provision, the outlined works at Oxbridge Primary School require further investment prior to completion.    Further agreed investment at that time, for SEND Provision at Abbey Hill at North Shore and Ash Trees at Billingham South are now complete, operational and running at capacity.

In Spring 2025, following allocation of funding by the Department for Education and further funding being obtained, the Council had £9.31m of unallocated capital funding from a range of sources (a summary is provided below).   Whilst a separate report was being prepared in respect of proposed capital investment relating to required SEND provision, a further request was being made to invest in completion of the Oxbridge Lane Primary School works and for consideration of investment in Northfield School.

•         £1.56m Unallocated Basic Need Grant

•         £3.87m Unallocated High Need Capital Funding

•         £3.88m of Developer Contributions towards education

A significant amount of this was proposed to be invested into SEND provision in Stockton and a separate report would be presented to Cabinet to this effect. However, there was sufficient funds available within the £9.31m available to deliver the £1.66m worth of proposals in this report.

There were no cost saving or cost avoidance attached to this investment.

RESOLVED that:-

1. An additional £500,000 of capital funding be agreed to complete the building works at Oxbridge Primary School.

2. £1.16m of capital funding be invested to install additional toilet block facilities at Northfield School & Sports College.

3. Authority be delegated to the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, to take all necessary steps to deliver the projects within the approved budgets.

4. The transfer of budget caused by cost variations within the approved programme be delegated to the Section 151 Officer and the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources and Transport and the Cabinet Member for Children’s and Young People.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

Cabinet approval is required for the following reasons:

•         Both projects involve significant capital expenditure. In accordance with Council governance procedures, Cabinet approval is necessary to authorise the approval and investment of the required funds.

•         These investments are integral to the delivery of Stockton’s wider education strategy, addressing  ...  view the full decision text for item 33