URL: https://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6125

Decision Maker: Assistant Director: Property and Investment

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This report seeks approval from the Assistant Director of Property and Investment to award a construction contract to Whitfield and Brown Developments Ltd. The proposed contract covers the construction of a single-storey extension and internal modifications at Foxfield School, located on New Hey Road, Woodchurch. The works are scheduled to be completed over a 28-week period and are intended to support an increased intake of pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).  

Content: This report seeks approval from the Assistant Director of Property and Investment to award a construction contract to Whitfield and Brown Developments Ltd. The proposed contract covers the construction of a single-storey extension and internal modifications at Foxfield School, located on New Hey Road, Woodchurch. The works are scheduled to be completed over a 28-week period and are intended to support an increased intake of pupils with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).   The Assistant Director of Property and Investment has approved the award of a contract for the construction of single storey extension and internal alterations at Foxfield School, New Hey Road, Woodchurch to Whitfield and Brown Developments Limited (Company Number 1060958) for a 28-week term in accordance with the most economically advantageous tender criteria at a contract price of £737,679.92.    The proposal to construct a single storey extension and carry out internal alterations to Foxfield School is to allow the provision of additional Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) Classrooms and facilities required for the increase of children to the school with these needs. Due to the identified need for additional school places, it is not feasible to pursue a 'do nothing' approach. The demand for SEND educational provision must be addressed to ensure that sufficient capacity is available to accommodate current and projected pupil numbers. Failure to act would result in a shortfall of school places, which could have significant implications for local communities and educational outcomes   The young people could have been offered education provision at another school; Foxfield School meets the needs of children with complex needs and has the capacity for capital works. The school has the correct staff and resources to meet the needs of complex needs, placing young people at another school could have led to school non-attendance and impact of the well-being of the young person.   The young person could have been placed at an out of borough provision, this would have been much more expensive and mean the young person needed to attend a school out of borough, this would not be the best use of the resources available to the council.  

Date of Decision: November 3, 2025