Agenda and minutes

- to receive minutes

The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Education, Culture and Leisure Services held on the 2nd November, 2004 were agreed as a correct record.

The Acting Executive Director, Education, Culture and Leisure Services, outlined the context and background to “Better Learning, Better Life” and went on to comment on various aspects relating to the following :-

·        The DfES 5 year Strategy for Children and Learners

·        Raising achievement

·        Inclusive learning communities

·        Enjoyment and personal development

·        Innovation and integration, the various packages available

·        Excellence through partnership having regard to the diversity of learners and providers

·        Relationships with schools

·        Development of the Children & Young Peoples’ Services

·        Strengthening joint LEA/LSC working

·        Designing and building the future together with emphasis on skills for life

·        All of us matter in Rotherham

·        The need to fulfil potential and our promise

Members welcomed the presentation and were appreciative of its content.

Resolved:- That, under Section 100(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 8  of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (report contains contractual and financial information)

It was reported that the WathVictoria J. & I. School project is part of the “Surestart Childrens’ Centre Programme” which also supports the Early Years programme by providing purpose built and designed Childrens’ Centres and Nursery Units.

The contract for this project involves an extension to the existing school and will link with the existing Foundation Stage Unit.

Through the procurement strategy for construction related services, BIRSE were appointed as a strategic contracting partner and selected to act as the main contractor to manage the contract to construct the Neighbourhood Nursery and Surestart Childrens’ Centre.

The report submitted set out how BIRSE were selected. The Target Cost and Guarantee Maximum Price for the project were then negotiated with BIRSE.

The total cost of the project was noted along with how it would be funded.

Resolved:- That the Target Cost and Guaranteed Maximum Price as negotiated with BIRSE for the New Neighbourhood Nursery and Surestart Childrens’ Centre at Wath Victoria J. & I. School be accepted and a start be made on site subject to the conditions of contract being agreed.

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the above item to enable urgent action to be taken)

- to accept a Target Cost Tender Sum

Consideration was given to the content of a report which was submitted in order to obtain approval to accept a negotiated tender from  Housing Services for the construction of a Sports Pavilion and Synthetic Turf Pitch with floodlights at Dinnington ComprehensiveSchool.

The report submitted set out details of the contract along with the reasons for negotiating a contract with Housing Services. The report also indicated how the project would be funded.

Members discussed the management of and public accessibility to such facilities in the Borough and the need to have a good spread of quality provision within easy reach of the public.

Resolved:- (1) That the Target Cost Tender Sum and Gross Maximum Price negotiated with Housing Services for the Sports Pavilion and Synthetic Turf Pitch at Dinnington Comprehensive School be accepted and a start be made on site on or after the 6th December, 2004, subject to final approval of the funder, New Opportunities Fund, and to the conditions of contract being agreed.

(2) That information be submitted to a future meeting mapping out the provision of sports facilities in the Borough and how gaps in provision could possibly be filled.