Contact: Louise Brierley, Area Director, Education and Inclusion North and East, Tel. 01252 814755: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

1. That the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education) agrees that a full feasibility study be undertaken to establish how the services currently delivered by the Ashwood Centre can be delivered in a number of different settings in Basingstoke. The study will examine revenue, personnel and governance implications for the new arrangements as well as the capital issues.

2. That the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education) receives a further reports in the summer term setting out the results of the study.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports the following Hampshire County Council priorities:

Making Hampshire safer and more secure for all - by better meeting the needs of pupils at risk of permanent exclusion and therefore at risk of disengagement.

Maximising well-being - by improving facilities in order to raise the aspirations of pupils at risk of permanent exclusion

Enhancing our quality of place - through the replacement of inadequate accommodation with improved facilities.

2.2 The decision supports the following Aims of the Children Act:

Being healthy; Staying safe; Enjoying and achieving; Making a positive contribution; Economic well-being by improving outcomes for pupils at risk of permanent exclusion.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 An initial plan to build on the Pack Lane site was rejected as it was not considered appropriate to house all facilities for 11 to 16 pupils on one site.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1 None.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 None.

Approved by: Date:

........................................

Councillor David Kirk

Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education)