Decision details

The report will set out how the local authority is proposing to respond to the significant buildings deficiencies identified at Welburn Hall school (which was the subject of reporting to Executive in December 2022). It will provide a summary of a strategic options appraisal that has been undertaken and set out a specific capital investment plan designed to ensure the continuity of Welburn Hall Special school.

That Option 1.2 (Education Day Provision be undertaken in The Stable Block and House. Residential facilities to resume in September 2025) is adopted as the optimal performing strategic option

That the implications of this decision in relation to Welburn Hall school be monitored in the context of the SEN Capital Programme, and be formally considered as part of the first six-monthly review of the SEN Capital programme

This option

- facilitates the reinstatement of residential provision from September 2025 - which was seen as a key strategic consideration for the council, as well as the feedback from the governing body and wider school community that they would highly value the provision being part of the service offer from the school
- minimises the period of uncertainty for Welburn hall school
- is one of only three options that is achievable within the constraints of £5 million allocation within the SEN Capital programme

A number of options were set out in the report together with an evaluation of each option.