The Strategic Director Children’s Services will submit a report

(Document “U”) which asks the Executive to approve the request to allocate Basic Needs funding to allow construction works at Bingley Grammar School to be undertaken to create suitable space for a Specialist Resourced Provision (subject to consultation and approval) for children and young people with SEND and the enlargement of the school premises, increasing the overall capacity of the school.

Recommended –

Approve the request to allocate £6.1 million Basic Needs funding to allow    construction works at Bingley Grammar School to create suitable space for a specialist Resourced Provision (subject to further consultation and approval) and the enlargement of the school premises, increasing the overall capacity of the school.

Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee

(Marium Haque - 01274 431078)

Resolved –

That the request to allocate £6.1 million Basic Needs funding to allow construction works at Bingley Grammar School be approved to create suitable space for a Specialist Resourced Provision (subject to further consultation and approval) and the enlargement of the school premises, increasing the overall capacity of the school.

ACTION: Strategic Director Children’s Services

Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee

(Marium Haque - 01274 431078)

The Strategic Director Children’s Services submitted a report

(Document “U”) which asked the Executive to approve the request to allocate Basic Needs funding to allow construction works at Bingley Grammar School to be undertaken to create suitable space for a Specialist Resourced Provision (subject to consultation and approval) for children and young people with SEND and the enlargement of the school premises, increasing the overall capacity of the school.

The Strategic Manager Intelligence and Sufficiency stated that the decision would be the start of the commencement of a full consultation, including the SEND element. The funding would be used for a number of schemes at the School, with the School making a contribution in line with DfE guidance.  The creation of additional spaces would enhance provision in the area and enable local children to secure a place at the School, without the need to travel out of  area.

The Head of Bingley Grammar was present and stated that he welcomed the additional funding, that it would create much needed space at the School and remove the need for portacabins.

The Deputy Leader and Education and Skills Portfolio Holder welcomed the investment adding that the School had achieved excellent results over the years, with a good Ofsted rating.

A Bingley Ward Councillor was present and stated that he also welcomed the much needed investment in what was a popular School, however, he hoped that the new investment would also address the existing traffic and parking issues being experienced by local residents.

In relation to a question on the SEND provision in the District, it was stated that the aim of creating the extra provision would be to ensure that children remained in the District and did not have to travel out of area.

Another Ward Councillor was also present and he also urged that the existing highways and traffic issues be addressed as part of the proposals.  In response it was stated that the Council’s highways’ service would produce a workable solution.

Resolved –

That the request to allocate £6.1 million Basic Needs funding to allow construction works at Bingley Grammar School be approved to create suitable space for a Specialist Resourced Provision (subject to further consultation and approval) and the enlargement of the School premises, increasing the overall capacity of the School.

ACTION: Strategic Director Children’s Services

Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee