Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS PANEL held at the Castle, Winchester on Tuesday 10 February 2004.
PRESENT:
Councillors: Mrs A M McNair Scott (Chairman); M F Cartwright; B D Dash;
Jo Kelly.
Co-opted Member ; Mr. D. Mayer
Also in attendance: Councillors D G Allen, Mrs A E Bailey and Mrs P Dickens
27. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should, normally at the time of debate, declare their interest and having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed. Councillor Cartwright declared an interest arising on Item 5 (Minute 31) in that he was a Local Member. The Chief Executive advised that this did not amount to a prejudicial interest and that the Member concerned could remain in the meeting and speak during the course of the relevant debate.
28. MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting held on Friday 27 June 2003 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
29. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS
No Chairman's Communications had been received.
30. DEPUTATIONS
No deputations had been received.
31. REVIEW OF SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS PROVISION IN ALTON/BORDON
The Panel considered a report of the County Education Officer and the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 5 in the Minute Book) detailing progress with the project to reorganise special school provision in East Hampshire which involved the replacement of the existing Meadow School in Bordon and Whitedown School in Alton with a single school on The Meadow School site, Mill Chase, Bordon. The County Education Officer advised that the accommodation brief had been agreed, the project was on schedule and good discussions had been held concerning the building project with the Chairmen of both schools.
The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services displayed the latest plans and drawings which represented the current progress of the design of the school. He advised that it had taken several months to prepare a brief for the existing Meadow School site and an agreement had been reached with the adjacent Mill Chase Community School to annexe some of its existing playing field to create sufficient space to build the new school. Members noted that the design of the new school would fully comply with current fire and statutory regulations and that a detailed sprinkler risk assessment was currently being undertaken in conjunction with Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services, the recommendations of which would be brought forward in due course. It was noted that a Property Services report on the Sprinkler Policy would be presented to the County Council meeting on 25 February 2004. The Panel was advised that the new school would be completed in 2006 with an open date of Easter for pupils from both schools.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
32. PROPOSED WINCHESTER EARLY YEARS CENTRE - THE LANTERNS
The Panel considered a report of the County Education Officer and Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 6 in the Minute Book) which detailed progress with the design and procurement of the centre and the funding available to deliver the project.
The County Education Officer advised that the project was progressing well with the Implementation Group working closely together, the contractors had been appointed and the school was due to open in September 2005. The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services displayed drawings that showed the final design of the building and reported that he was working with the Contractor for a start on site in Summer 2004. The Chairman advised that Councillor Mrs Peskett, as Local Member had indicated her satisfaction with the decision on the Winnall Early Years provision. Councillor Mrs Dickens, as Local Member thanked the Officers for all their support and help in achieving a successful outcome and the work carried out with the local residents. The Panel congratulated the Officers on the success of the project.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
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