Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 10^th October, 2006 were agreed as a correct record.

Consideration was given to a report of the Acting Head of Strategic Partnerships, Corporate Services, which gave an update on the Schools PFI Project:  Autumn 2006.

By the end of December 2006, the project will provide:-

• New schools for Coleridge, Ferham, Kimberworth, Maltby Crags Infant, Maltby Crags Junior, Meadowhall and Thornhill Primaries;

      andWinterhill, Wingfield and Wath Secondaries.

• Part new build and refurbished schools at East Dene and Wath Central Primaries;

      andClifton, Thrybergh and Wickersley Secondaries.

• Additionally, extended school use will be provided as follows:-

-           new Key Young Persons’ Centres will be provided at Thornhill Primary and Wath Secondary;  and significantly refurbished centres at Wingfield, Clifton, Thrybergh and WinterhillSecondary Schools.

-           SureStart facilities at Ferham, Thornhill and Wingfield

-           Space for Sports and Arts facilities at Ferham

-           Children’s Centres at Coleridge and Kimberworth

-           Clifton Project facilities at the Cranworth Road site (The Place)

The project continues to progress very well with fourteen schools now operating on Full Services with successful handovers achieved for the start of term in September 2006 as follows:-

o       WickersleyComprehensive School and Sports College

o       Coleridge Primary and Children’s Centre

o       East Dene Primary

o       Meadow View Primary (Formerly MeadowhallJunior School)

o       Kimberworth Primary and Children’s Centre

The report gave details of the last remaining school site finishing works at Clifton Upper/Cranworth Road site, Transform Schools (Rotherham) Limited/Balfour Beatty Construction Limited who had delivered variations within original timescales, Facilities Management issues, responsibilities placed on Building Learning Communities Limited, and the “I Love My School Campaign”.

It was noted that the Schools PFI Project had won “The Best Operational Education Project” at the Public Private Finance Awards 2006 event held in London in May, 2006 and the Contract Journal Awards for “PPP/PFI Award” event held in London in October, 2006.

Resolved:-  That progress on the Schools PFI Project be noted.

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Service Culture and Leisure which gave an update on planned activities for All Saints’ Square during December, 2006.

It is hoped that the proposals with regard to the Christmas Entertainment Programme 2006 will provide a diverse mix of entertainment in the Square with activities to suit everyone’s taste.  However, it was pointed out that the success of the proposals was dependent on the necessary technical solutions being overcome, in particular with regard to the siting of speakers for the transmission of Christmas songs and carols.

The report set into context existing arrangements, The Big Screen project, Live Entertainment, and a proposed Big Screen Christmas Schedule.

Resolved:-  That the proposals with regard to the Christmas Entertainment Programme 2006 be approved, as submitted.