URL: https://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=9849

Decision Maker: Executive Director of Children's Services

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: There is an urgent requirement for school places for pupils in the borough who have the most complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Existing provision is outstripped by projected demand, and two special schools, Oakleigh Junior School and Mapledown Secondary School, will be oversubscribed from September 2026 onwards. Due to the urgency of the requirement, it is proposed that additional interim SEND provision is delivered at the Queenswell Schools site in Whetstone. This will be over phases, with phase 1 commencing immediately to meet the most urgent need for September 2026. This report requests the permission to enter into contract with Wernick Buildings (Wernick) for the design and build of the necessary structures for phase 1 of the project.

Content: There is an urgent requirement for school places for pupils in the borough who have the most complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Existing provision is outstripped by projected demand, and two special schools, Oakleigh Junior School and Mapledown Secondary School, will be oversubscribed from September 2026 onwards. Due to the urgency of the requirement, it is proposed that additional interim SEND provision is delivered at the Queenswell Schools site in Whetstone. This will be over phases, with phase 1 commencing immediately to meet the most urgent need for September 2026. This report requests the permission to enter into contract with Wernick Buildings (Wernick) for the design and build of the necessary structures for phase 1 of the project.

Date of Decision: June 11, 2026