URL: https://democracy.darlington.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2001

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet Member with the Children and Young People Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of People to seeks Member’s agreement to release £1,368,000 of High Needs Capital Grant to re-develop the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Resource Base at Hurworth School, a secondary school with academy status.   It was explained that the resource base at Hurworth school is no longer fit for purpose, can no longer meet demand and needs re-developing and expanding. The Council receives an annual capital grant from the Department for Education (DfE) to increase SEN places with a focus on mainstream schools. The project, funded though that grant, will provide an improved base for autistic young people within a local mainstream setting. In addition, it will increase available places from 14 to 28.   RESOLVED - It is recommended that: (a)    Cabinet agrees to formally release £1,368,000 of High Needs Capital Grant funding to support the redevelopment of the Hurworth Resource Base.   REASON - The recommendations are supported by the following reasons: (a)    Redeveloping the Resource Base will provide an improved learning environment, in a mainstream setting, for young people with autism, whilst meeting increase demand.   (b)   The recent SEND reform white paper ‘Every Child Achieving and Thriving’ proposes a greater shift towards mainstream inclusion and this project would support these aims.      

Date of Decision: May 5, 2026