Issue - meetings

This is a Project Appraisal for one of 2 projects in Oxfordshire to be funded from the first wave of the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) Primary Capital Programme (PCP). The PCP was established to support the transformation of education, including raising standards and improving the life chances and well being of children. The government aim is to renew at least half of all primary school buildings by 2022-23 and to create primary schools that are equipped for 21st-century teaching and learning, and are at the heart of their communities with children's services in reach of every family.

This project will completely replace the existing Wood Farm Primary School, Slade Nursery/Children's Centre and community buildings with a new integrated facility for the two schools and the Children’s Centre as well as providing space to support community use. The new building will be used to provide a range of accessible services supporting children and families in Wood Farm.

The total estimated cost of the project, inclusive of professional fees and client contingency is £11,750,000. This cost will be met from a variety of funding sources, including the Primary Capital Programme. 

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to approve Project Appraisal ED749 for replacement of existing buildings at Wood Farm Primary School and The Slade Nursery School & Children’s Centre, Oxford as part of the Primary Capital Programme.

Cabinet considered a Project Appraisal for one of 2 projects in Oxfordshire to be funded from the first wave of the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) Primary Capital Programme (PCP).

The project would completely replace the existing Wood Farm Primary School, Slade Nursery/Children's Centre and community buildings with a new integrated facility for the two schools and the Children’s Centre as well as providing space to support community use.

Councillor Brighouse, speaking as a local member in support of the project, thanked the Leader and Cabinet Members for Schools Improvement and Children, Young People & Families for their efforts in support of the project. She also thanked officers and staff at the school for their work. She commented that the project was about raising aspirations in the community.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families agreed that the scheme was a commitment to raising aspirations in the area. It put a value on the community and said something about the Councils hopes for that community.

Cabinet noted the partnership nature of the project and the Leader added that the Bilateral meetings with Oxford city council had been useful in progressing the scheme.

RESOLVED:  to approve Project Appraisal ED749 for replacement of existing buildings

 at Wood Farm Primary School and The Slade Nursery School & Children’s Centre, Oxford as part of the Primary Capital Programme.