Agenda Item No. 19 EECUTIVE - 23 MARCH 2017 WINSTON CHURCHILL SCHOOL APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Executive Summary Winston Churchill School has sought assistance from the Council to help deliver a new Library and Planetarium. A copy of its letter of 23 September 2016 is attached at Appendix 1. The total project costs are estimated at some 1.9m and its indicative funding shortfall was some 375,000. The new facility will significantly enhance the learning experience at Winston Churchill School, be available for use by other school groups and be available for use by the community outside of school hours. The proposal would provide a major new asset for wide community use, both young people and other people in the community, of all ages, wishing to learn more. Ongoing discussions have been held with school representatives as to whether any financial support from the Council would be forthcoming either from the Community Grant Fund and or developer contributions held by the Council for educational purposes from old Section 106 agreements. Reasons for Decision To respond to a request for financial assistance for a new Library and Planetarium at Winston Churchill School. Recommendations The Executive is requested to: RESOLVE what financial assistance, if any, it wishes to give to the Winston Churchill School for a new Library and Planetarium. The Executive has authority to determine the above recommendations. Background Papers: None. Sustainability Impact Assessment Equalities Impact Assessment Reporting Person: Ray Morgan, Chief Executive Ext. 3333, E Mail: Ray.Morgan@woking.gov.uk Contact Person: Ray Morgan, Chief Executive Ext. 3333, E Mail: Ray.Morgan@woking.gov.uk 1 EE17-032
Portfolio Holder: Cllr Melanie Whitehand E Mail: Cllrmelanie.Whitehand@woking.gov.uk Shadow Portfolio Holder: Cllr Ian Eastwood E Mail:cllrian.eastwood@woking.gov.uk Date Published: 15 March 2017 2
1.0 Introduction 1.1 Winston Churchill School has sought assistance from the Council to help deliver a new Library and Planetarium. The main objectives of the project are detailed in this report including artist impressions of how the building would look (Appendix 2 & 3), proposed sections of the facility (Appendix 4) and floor plans (Appendix 5 & 6). 1.2 The new facility would significantly enhance the learning experience at Winston Churchill School, be available for use by other school groups and be available for use by the community outside of school hours. 1.3 This new facility would inspire young people to take a step into the future to become part of a significant industry in our country that supports the economy and job opportunities and leads to technological developments that benefit us all. 1.4 Winston Churchill School has raised a substantial amount of money to build this facility including contributions from the school, student fundraising, PTA activity, efficiency savings and trust funding. They are now seeking financial assistance from the Council to support this project. 1.5 This is a community project and is self-sustaining, as part of Winston Churchill Schools operational business plans. The Library and Planetarium would be a legacy for the Woking Borough and an ongoing opportunity for Woking residents. 2.0 Outline of Planetarium Proposal 2.1 Vision To design, build and run an outstanding facility, that both inspires and furthers the study of space, through science and astronomy and to meet the needs of learners aged 10-75+; allowing the students to access emerging technologies, to explore and make sense of the ever changing universe. 2.2 Proposal to create a unique school based facility, as part of a broader learning environment, which will offer a range of facilities and equipment to explore the universe. 2.3 The dedicated suite would include; a planetarium, digital and on site observatory facilities, remote access to telescopes worldwide, equipment to monitor and study the sun, space for lectures, research and learning regarding the exploration of space and emerging technologies. 2.4 The Planetarium would enable learners to become excited about the origin and evolution of the universe and develop their understanding of the physics of the universe, whilst using a range of equipment that is not usually available to learners. 2.5 The community facility would enable students from local primaries to be inspired and students aged 11-16 years old to engage in this important and fascinating area of study. It would mean that the current extra curricular provision could be extended and post 16 year old students could be offered a state of the art facility to study elements of A Level Physics and inspire further study at University. Winston Churchill School could permit the community to run clubs for all age groups and the Planetarium could be used to engage learners and other interest groups by providing emersion experiences, such as sea life, historical events and music. 3
2.6 It is suggested that the Planetarium would raise awareness and promote this fascinating and vitally important area of science. Our country is at the cutting edge of research and development in space and this facility would inspire more young people to consider this area in future careers, to ensure the UK maintains that position. The UK space industry is currently worth 11.3 billion per year. 2.7 If it chooses to support this project, the Council would be investing in a unique aspect of education, investing in the future, as young people in particular are needed to enter into this area of study. Winston Churchill School has a positive reputation in the field of Astronomy and from this foundation; they want to build on the opportunity to enable more young people to engage in this fascinating and essential science. 3.0 Officer View 3.1 The Chief Executive considers that this proposal presents the Council with a unique opportunity to make a difference to the learning opportunities of people of all ages. Whilst the core use of the Library and Planetarium will be for young people, at Winston Churchill School and other schools, it will be available for use by wider groups within the community. It is suggested that, if the Executive support the recommendation outline din this report, that a simple Community Use Agreement be entered into with the School to ensure that public access by organised groups is maintained at appropriate times without prejudicing the safeguarding of children. 4.0 Implications Financial 4.1 Two possible funding sources have been identified. 4.2 The first is a Grant from the Community Fund in 2017/18. The forecast balance in the Community Fund to 31 March 2018 is 56,665 (forecast at December 2016) and therefore there are funds available to authorise a Grant of 50,000 in 2017/18. 4.3 The second Grant is proposed at 100,000 from historic S.106 contributions for education. The Council currently holds 177,032.95 in respect of education contributions received between 2002 and 2007 inclusive; these amounts remain unspent. A further sum of 3,592,596 is due to be received from developers as contributions to education in the Borough. 4.4 If so minded, the Council could agree 50,000 from the Community Fund and 100,000 from s.106 monies. There are no ongoing revenue costs of implications for the Council in making the Grants available for this project. Human Resource/Training and Development 4.5 There are no human resources or training issues for the Council raised by this report. The purpose of the Grant however will significantly enhance learning opportunities for people of all ages. 4
Community Safety 4.6 There are no community safety issues raised by this report. Risk Management 4.7 There are no risk management issues for the Council arising from this report. 4.8 It may be argued by some that this award of Grant would set a precedent that may oblige the Council to award monies to other schools and colleges. It does not. Each request is considered upon its merit; the request before the Executive is unique. Sustainability 4.9 The proposed Library and Planetarium would provide a unique opportunity for learning and will, hopefully, inspire young people to pursue scientific careers. The proposal also provides learning opportunities for people of all ages. Equalities 4.10 There are no equality issues raised by this report. 5.0 Consultations 5.1 There have been no consultations undertaken in the preparation of this report. REPORT ENDS EE17-032 5
APPENDICES 6
Eliminate discriminatio n Advance equality Good relations Equality Impact Assessment The purpose of this assessment is to improve the work of the Council by making sure that it does not discriminate against any individual or group and that, where possible, it promotes equality. The Council has a legal duty to comply with equalities legislation and this template enables you to consider the impact (positive or negative) a strategy, policy, project or service may have upon the protected groups. Positive impact? Negative impact? No specific impact What will the impact be? If the impact is negative how can it be mitigated? (action) THIS SECTION NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED AS EVIDENCE OF WHAT THE POSITIVE IMPACT IS OR WHAT ACTIONS ARE BEING TAKEN TO MITIGATE ANY NEGATIVE IMPACTS Gender Men Women Gender Reassignment White Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups Race Asian/Asian British Black/African/Caribbean/ Black British Gypsies / travellers Other ethnic group 7
Eliminate discriminatio n Advance equality Good relations Positive impact? Negative impact? No specific impact What will the impact be? If the impact is negative how can it be mitigated? (action) THIS SECTION NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED AS EVIDENCE OF WHAT THE POSITIVE IMPACT IS OR WHAT ACTIONS ARE BEING TAKEN TO MITIGATE ANY NEGATIVE IMPACTS Disability Sexual Orientation Age Religion or Belief Physical Sensory Learning Difficulties Mental Health Lesbian, gay men, bisexual Older people (50+) Younger people (16-25) Faith Groups Pregnancy & maternity Marriage & Civil Partnership Socio-economic Background The purpose of the Equality Impact Assessment is to improve the work of the Council by making sure it does not discriminate against any individual or group and that, where possible, it promotes equality. The assessment is quick and straightforward to undertake but it is an important step to make sure that individuals and teams think carefully about the likely impact of their work on people in Woking and take action to improve strategies, policies, services and projects, where appropriate. Further details and guidance on completing the form are available. 8
Sustainability Impact Assessment Officers preparing a committee report are required to complete a Sustainability Impact Assessment. Sustainability is one of the Council s cross-cutting themes and the Council has made a corporate commitment to address the social, economic and environmental effects of activities across Business Units. The purpose of this Impact Assessment is to record any positive or negative impacts this decision, project or programme is likely to have on each of the Council s Sustainability Themes. For assistance with completing the Impact Assessment, please refer to the instructions below. Further details and guidance on completing the form are available. Theme (Potential impacts of the project) Positive Impact Negative Impact No specific impact What will the impact be? If the impact is negative, how can it be mitigated? (action) Use of energy, water, minerals and materials Waste generation / sustainable waste management Pollution to air, land and water Factors that contribute to Climate Change Protection of and access to the natural environment Travel choices that do not rely on the car A strong, diverse and sustainable local economy Meet local needs locally Opportunities for education and information Provision of appropriate and sustainable housing Personal safety and reduced fear of crime Equality in health and good health Access to cultural and leisure facilities Social inclusion / engage and consult communities Equal opportunities for the whole community Contribute to Woking s pride of place 9