Decision details

That the outline scheme proposals and cost estimate be agreed and that the scheme be recommended to the Council’s Executive and Full Council for admission to the Local Authority’s Capital Programme.

That the continuation of design development to the stage where a planning application can be submitted for approval whilst the Council’s Executive and Full Council approval is obtained be agreed.

That the Executive Director: Education, Care and Health Services be authorised to submit a planning application for the scheme at the appropriate time.

Burwood School is a school for male pupils aged 11-16 years who have been identified as having social, emotional and mental health difficulties.  The Local Authority purchased Beacon House, a light office and manufacturing facility in central Bromley that has previously been used to provide an alternative education provision in July 2014.  It is proposed to relocate part of Burwood School’s offer to a new high quality in-Borough alternative provision at Beacon House which will deliver a wide variety of vocational courses at Key Stage 4 and 5 to both male and female pupils identified as having social, emotional and mental health difficulties.  In Autumn 2014, the Local Authority commissioned consultants to review the facilities at Beacon House with a view to delivering the proposed alternative provision.  The final feasibility report has now been received which outlines the range of works required and a draft timetable for the refurbishment, which is expected be completed for the start of the 2016/17 academic year.

The proposals for the use of unspent Dedicated Schools Grant had been considered at the meeting of the Schools’ Forum on 15^th January 2015, and the Schools’ Forum supported proposals to utilise a proportion of unspent Dedicated Schools Grant towards the purchase and refurbishment of Beacon House.