Decision Details

This report seeks Cabinet Member approval for the Full Business Case and the Capital Grant Award for the expansion project at Wilson Stuart School (Education Impact Academy Trust) to increase SEND places in response to rising demand. The school plans to expand from 270 to 290 pupils in September 2026, and to 320 pupils in September 2027.

1.2       The total project costs will not exceed £750,000 and will be funded from the Department of Education Basic Need capital programme, which is the Council’s budget for creating additional pupil places in both mainstream and SEND schools. The Council’s financial contribution is capped at this amount and there will be no call on the General Fund.

1.3       The grant will be awarded to the Education Impact Academy Trust and formalised through a Conditions of Grant Aid (COGA) agreement. Responsibility for procuring and delivering the works will rest with the Trust. The Council’s role will be limited to administration and oversight of the grant, including monitoring compliance with the COGA and ensuring the proper and lawful use of public funds. Compliance with applicable procurement legislation and the achievement of value for money will be a condition of grant funding.

1.4       The proposed funding supports the delivery of additional SEND educational capacity, which is a clear public policy objective in line with the Council’s statutory duties. The grant is proportionate and limited to the minimum required to deliver the project and is considered consistent with the principles set out in the Subsidy Control Act 2022.

On the 08 July 2026, the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families;

(i) Approved the award of a capital grant as the total project cost for the delivery of capital expansion works for an additional 50 pupils with SEND at Wilson Stuart School a cost not exceeding £750,000, to be funded from the Department for Education (DfE) Basic Need capital programme.

(ii) Approved the Full Business Case appended to this report as Appendix 1 to the report.

(iii) Approved the award of a capital grant to the Education Impact Academy Trust to support the delivery of expansion works, to be formalised through a Conditions of Grant Aid (COGA) agreement.

(iv) Noted that any VAT attributable to the costs payable by the Local Authority is reclaimable under Section 33 of the VAT Act 1994.

(v) Authorised the City Solicitor (or their delegate) to negotiate, finalise and execute the COGA agreement and any other legal documents required to give effect to the above decisions; and

(vi) Noted that no legal obligation to enter into the COGA or to release funding shall arise unless and until formal confirmation of the required significant change is received from the DfE.

THE DEADLINE FOR CALL-IN IS 1600 HOURS ON MONDAY 13 JULY 2026.