URL: https://democracy.warwickshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1056

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder Decisions/Leader Decisions, Leader of the Council

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To receive authorisation for the Executive Director for Children and Young People, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, to invite tenders and enter into the appropriate contracts for this scheme on terms and conditions considered acceptable to the Executive Director for Resources.

Content: The Leader, Councillor George Finch, welcomed everyone to the meeting and confirmed that the decision to be taken related to the procurement process for works required to deliver the new primary school at Callendar Farm in Nuneaton.   Councillor Finch confirmed that in September 2024, Council agreed the addition of £16.5 million to the Education Capital Programme to deliver the new primary school which will be funded by developer contributions and education capital funding.   Councillor Keith Kondakor, in attendance, wished the following points to be noted -   The need for school safety zone - some to be funded and installed before school opens   To highlight the need for safe walking route from Eaton Place across the missing bit of Link Road. Otherwise, people have 1.8 miles walk to school from East and of Eaton Place including twice crossing the A5.   To point out the need to have more than reception class opened in first year. The ripple up from bottom means it takes 7 years to bring the £16m school into use which is crazy. I understand we cannot open all 7-year groups at the start but should look at say opening reception and year 3 so that it useful for people moving into new homes within 3 years.    Councillor Kondakor raised concerns that, as the developers provide the roads, and the county council provides the school, there are a number of regulations that do not get delivered due to the spilt responsibility.  This has led to multiple safety concerns in other schools within the area.   Councillor Kondakor added that it is great that the council is able to provide £16 million pounds for the school but that there are thousands of new houses being built in the area which will result in an increase in in-year school place applications.  Councillor Kondakor continued, stating that because the new school will be an academy, they are only obliged to open a reception year.  He is regularly contacted by local residents who are unable to get a place in their local school for school years higher than reception entry.   Councillor Finch thanked Councillor Kondakor for attending the meeting and for the points raised.  It was agreed that they would be noted in the minutes.   It was further confirmed that officers have noted the issues raised and that they have been in contact with Councillor Kondakor and that this would continue.   It was noted that the decision today was only in relation to approve the commencement of a procurement exercise to appoint a contractor to build the school. It is important that the school is able to open in time for the first intake of children, and this necessitates commencing the procurement exercise now to ensure delivery.    Emma Basden-Smith, Strategy and Commissioning Manager - Education Capital & Sufficiency confirmed that the council’s responsibility is to deliver the school and not the infrastructure.  Where there are concerns about the enforcement of planning conditions these need to be raised with the Local Planning Authority.   Resolved   That the Leader of the Council:   1.1  Authorises the Executive Director for Children and Young People, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, to carry out an appropriate procurement process for the works required to deliver the new primary school at Callendar Farm in Nuneaton (the Scheme), which is to be funded by developer contributions and education capital funding from the Education Capital Investment Fund;   and   1.2  Authorises the Executive Director for Children and Young People to enter into all relevant contracts and agreements to deliver the Scheme on terms and conditions acceptable to the Executive Director for Resources

Date of Decision: August 8, 2025