The Interim Director of Regeneration and Place has approved that Portakabin Ltd be directly awarded a contract to the value of £278,280.00 via the NHS SBS framework for Mobile Classrooms, under Lot 2 Mobile Classrooms Hire (Education) to undertake installation of the temporary mobile double classroom at Foxfield School.

A detailed Specification of requirements has been received from Foxfield School, New Hey Road, Wirral, to accommodate the increased pupil numbers for the 2024/25 school year.
A more permanent solution of an extension to the original school is in the planning stage but, would not be completed before the start of the new academic year.
The Council’s Contract procedure Rules set out how contracts are to be awarded by the Council in accordance with the Procurement Strategy requirements.
In this instance a direct order from the NHS SBS framework for Mobile Classrooms, under Lot 2 Mobile Classrooms Hire (Education) was awarded to Portakabin Ltd and will be underpinned by a formal contract which will be drawn up by the Council’s legal team.

A number of design options have been explored to create the additional pupil accommodation required by the school.
An extension to the existing building is in planning stage but would not be completed for the 2024/25 academic year. The school could not accommodate the increase in pupil numbers within the existing building until the new extension was built. The option of not proceeding with the temporary classroom project would mean that teaching accommodation would not meet Department for Education guidelines.

The decision has been taken under Part 3 Section C - Overview and Scheme of Delegations of Authority to Officers as the decision is not reserved to a Committee or Sub-Committee and the Director is satisfied that paragraphs 2(a) to 2(c) apply.

Background Papers

Building Bulletin 103 provides Councils with design specifications of school buildings to meet the accommodation requirements for a range of pupil numbers. Insufficient space for the delivery of the curriculum and teaching staff was identified. Insufficient space for the delivery of the curriculum and teaching staff was identified.