Option 1b in detail: Provide more than 20 brand new classrooms across two new teaching blocks; one on the existing site and one on unused land at Stratton School. Additional parking to be provided with each block. Plus, remodelling 12 current classrooms into 6 larger classrooms (preferred option).
What this option involves
This option builds on Option 1a by using unused land next to the school at Stratton School (not the farm). The land at Stratton School is separated from the existing Hitchmead Road site by a surfaced public footpath (no traffic). The entire school site would have secure boundary fencing which would be designed following engagement with the school, so the pupils can move around safely.
It includes:
- two new single-storey teaching block providing more than 20 new classrooms, quiet, calming spaces, group rooms, dining space (could be multi-use space) and toilets
- new hygiene facilities, extra staff rooms and hydrotherapy pool
- a new sports pitch and multi-use games area (MUGA)
- remodelling and refurbishment of the existing 12 classrooms to provide 6 larger classrooms and storage
- improved on-site parking and drop-off areas to reduce local highway congestion
- removal of all the existing temporary buildings
The following image indicates where the new facilities could be provided on the existing site.
Cost: £43 million
When we expect the first pupils to be in new classrooms: Winter 2028/29
Estimated completion of all works: Summer 2030
Pros
- cost-effective option
- phased delivery means current pupils can use new facilities sooner
- provides separate buildings allowing flexibility of use e.g. separate primary and secondary spaces
Cons
- requires agreement to use nearby land
- refurbishing the existing buildings may mean some compromises; this will be further understood at the next stage
- some disruption during construction, although this can be minimised through phased delivery and fencing
Additional information
A suitable second site is available very close by on unused land at Stratton School (for clarity, this is not the farm).
The land at Stratton School is separated from the existing Hitchmead Road site by a surfaced public footpath (no traffic). Some thought will be required on how the pupils access the Stratton School site. The entire school site would have secure boundary fencing so the pupils can move around safely.
The improvement work associated with this option has sometimes been referred to as refurbishment. This will be addressed in more detail in the next stage of design, but what it will mean in reality for pupils is the complete renewal of six existing classrooms. This would involve stripping the buildings back to the bare structure, then rebuilding and reimagining the space for the modern needs of pupils and to meet modern standards. This type of change would make those existing school buildings feel like a completely new building.
An example of where this complete renewal work has already been done is Fulbrook School in Woburn Sands, where the exterior may look like the old building, but the inside is a brand-new school, with new classroom space, a new teaching block, a new sports hall and temporary classrooms were used for SEND pupils in the process. Further information is available about previous projects and minimising disruption.
Work will be carefully phased to minimise disruption, so the proposal could be delivered while pupils remain in the school. The new block will be built on the existing site first, and the current pupils will remain in the existing facilities. Then the pupils will move into the new building whilst the second new block is built and remodelling and refurbishment of the existing buildings takes place.
Additional pupils will not be added to the school until all the refurbishment and remodelling works are completed.
Although specific design elements would be determined at a later design stage, the work carried out to date shows that there is enough space for what’s needed, and there’s an initial cost estimate in place.
Read more about how we will work with the school and the contractors to minimise disruption to pupils during construction.
Why Option 1b is the preferred choice
Option 1b – Provide more than 20 brand new classrooms across two new teaching blocks: one on the existing site and one on unused land at Stratton School. Additional parking to be provided with each block. Plus, remodelling 12 current classrooms into 6 larger classrooms (preferred option) offers the best balance between:
- minimising disruption to pupils
- delivering value for money
- speed of delivery
This option allows the school to separate provision in the future if desirable e.g. into primary and secondary sites.
We believe this is the most cost-effective way to provide good quality provision to children and meet the Council’s legal duty to provide enough SEND places. We would like to hear your views on this during the consultation and all the other options that have been considered
Financial and legal considerations
When taking spending decisions, Councillors need to consider the Best Value Duty which relates to the legal requirement for local authorities and other public bodies defined as best value authorities in Part 1 of the Local Government Act 1999 (“the 1999 Act”) to “make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness”.
In practice, this covers issues such as how authorities exercise their functions to deliver a balanced budget (Part 1 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992), provide legal services, including adult social care and children’s services, and secure value for money in all spending decisions.
The recommended proposal meets the identified needs for SEND support or places at the Ivel Valley site, and so any proposal to spend more than the recommended option is not providing any additionality in terms of SEND placements and so would not represent best value.