Decision details

That the updated list of schemes within the Basic Need Capital Programme be approved.

That the procurement and award of contract of schemes within the Basic Need Programme through traditional procurement, the Lewisham Modular Buildings Framework or through devolution of the Basic Need Capital Grant to schools be agreed.

That the allocation of capital funding for two year olds as set out in Report ED15084 be agreed.

That the devolution of capital funding for two year olds to private, voluntary and independent sector providers be agreed.

That the procurement of consultants to undertake the feasibility of refurbishing Beacon House be agreed.

The Basic Need Programme is funded by the Department for Education through the Basic Need Capital Grant, and supports the provision of sufficient school places through improvements to and expansion of Bromley schools.  The updated list of schemes within the Basic Need Programme has been developed to meet the estimated increase in the number of reception age pupils in the Borough from September 2014 onwards.  ‘Bulge years’ and permanent expansions are planned at a number of existing local schools to provide the required pupil places, which will be delivered through a combination of modular build and internal refurbishment.

There is a need to undertake capital works to deliver the early years offer under which approximately 40% of all two year olds will be eligible for an early learning place.  To support the implementation of this policy, the Government has provided the Local Authority with £744,903 to build capacity of statutory places for two year olds across the Borough. 

The Local Authority is seeking to build alternative provision for young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties through the purchase of Beacon House, approved by the Council’s Executive on 10^th June 2014.  It is necessary to refurbish Beacon House to make it suitable for school use and to offer a wider variety of vocational courses, and to support this it has been identified that a consultant should be appointed to undertake a feasibility study to identify the necessary works and ensure that Beacon House can be used for its intended purpose.