Agenda item - Proposed New Development of Cullum Centres for Children with Autism in Partnership with the National Autistic Society and Cullum Family Trust

Report of the Executive Director for Families, Children & Learning

RESOLVED: That the Committee approves the further exploration of the partnership with the National Autistic Society and Cullum Family Trust to create two Cullum Centres at Dorothy Stringer School and Hove Park School respectively, with more detailed recommendations to be taken to the Children, Young People and Skills Committee in the autumn 2018.

41.1                The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director for Families, Children & Learning, which informed them of the potential partnership with National Autistic Society and the Cullum Family Trust to create a new Special Facility for children with the Autistic Spectrum Condition at Dorothy Stringer Secondary School, and to redevelop the existing Special Facility known as The Phoenix Centre at Hove Park Secondary School.

41.2                The Committee were informed that the Cullum Family Trust would be offering £1.5m, rather than the £1m stated in the report.

41.3                Councillor Daniels welcomed the report and said that improving provision for children with Autistic Spectrum Condition was needed and thanked all those involved. Councillor Daniel asked what the Cullum Centre would provide. The Assistant Director, Health SEN & Disabilities said that the Centre would be a new build in the heart of the school, and there would be trained staff providing a specialist education to allow pupils to access mainstream school.

41.4                Councillor Janio asked if the Kings School had been approached, and was advised that all secondary schools had been asked to express an interest. Only three schools initially came forward and Dorothy Stringer was the only school who wished to remain in the process. Councillor Janio asked if Kings School could be approached now, and was advised that only Dorothy Stringer would have the Cullum Centre, but if other schools were interested in having additional  provision it could be something that they could be discussed with the Council.

41.5                RESOLVED: That the Committee approved the further exploration of the partnership with the National Autistic Society and Cullum Family Trust to create two Cullum Centres at Dorothy Stringer School and Hove Park School respectively, with more detailed recommendations to be taken to the Children, Young People and Skills Committee in the autumn 2018.