Issue - meetings

 Report by Alistair Cunningham, Corporate Director

Councillor Philip Whitehead presented the report which asked Cabinet to consider the next steps for outdoor education centres following the receipt of expressions of interest in the sites operation.

Mr John Hawkins, Chairman Outdoor Education Task Group, stated that he was pleased to note the Council motion and the support to find a solution.

In response to questions raised by Mr Hawkins, Councillor Whitehead stated that press releases had been published to encourage the centre’s usage; that the updated condition survey could be considered as part of the preplanning process

In response to questions raised by Councillor Hubbard, Councillor Whitehead that he recognised the need to consider social value as part of the legal requirements to meet best value; that he did not agree that a further extension of the period when the Council was running them.

In response to questions raised by Councillor Thorn, Councillor Whitehead that it was important to establish the open market value of properties to enable the council to assess properly how best value can be achieved.

Resolved

i.          To commence a market testing process to consider options for the future operation of the outdoor education sites;

ii.         To delegate to the Director for Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Children’s Services and Finance, the delivery of the market testing process;

iii.       To extend the operation of both Braeside and Oxenwood outdoor education sites until 31 December 2018.

iv.       To extend the period of consultation with outdoor education staff in line with the Councils HR Policies.

Reason for Decision:

1)    Following the Council’s review of the two outdoor education sites, Braeside and Oxenwood and the Cabinet’s decision to close both sites, interested parties have come forward with a variety of proposals for the continuation of outdoor education in Wiltshire.

2)    This report considers these expressions of interest and how best to progress the review of outdoor education. This provides new information for Cabinet to consider.