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Building Schools
future
for the
BSF: Transforming learning, communities and lives
inspiring
communities
Image: by Andy Hendry - CABE.
transforming
Image: by Andy Hendry - CABE.
learning
Introduction
Blackburn with Darwen became a unitary authority in 1998 and since then has established itself as one
of the country’s leading and most innovative councils. The Council has been voted Council of the Year
and has subsequently won many other service based awards. The Audit Commission’s last corporate
assessment judged the authority as an excellent council “with major strengths”.
This relatively compact and predominantly urban authority is made up of two towns each with a strong
local identity. Located at the geographical, economic, and cultural heart of Pennine Lancashire,
Blackburn with Darwen is fast leaving its textile routes behind, metamorphosing into an exciting, diverse
and modern economy.
The authority joined the national Building Schools for the Future programme in January 2007. BSF
has been welcomed as an accelerant to improving outcomes by ensuring children, young people, their
families and the wider community have access to excellent learning centres and community facilities
right at the heart of their neighbourhood. In Blackburn with Darwen BSF will transform learning,
communities and lives.
Building Schools
for the
future
BSF: Transforming learning, communities and lives
Delivering success in partnership
The authority has a history of delivering its promises and is nationally recognised for its innovation,
capacity and abilities. A healthy partnering ethos, strong leadership, talented workforce and effective
collaborative working have provided the cornerstone to the implementation and delivery of many
successful initiatives and projects.
Blackburn with Darwen is a forward facing council with considerable experience in public-private
partnerships. In 2002 it embarked on a successful multi million pound public-private partnership
to deliver a number of key functional and back office services as well as bring significant economic
regeneration to the town. Our Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) has been acknowledged as one of
the most effective in the country Council is involved in many large scale investment programmes and
initiatives, including East Lancashire Local Improvement Finance Trust and Elevate the East Lancashire
housing market renewal initiative. Further investment is pledged for 2006/08 for local enterprise,
through the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative, which will link to a multi million pound local improvement
partnership.
Corporate priorities
The Council has a clear shared vision that has been developed following extensive consultation and
engagement with the community and stakeholder partners. This vision is translated into seven strategic
objectives embedded in the community plan, local area agreement and integrated within local strategic
partners’ own corporate plans.
Strategic objectives
• Improve health and social well being
• Create sustainable communities and neighbourhoods
• Improve the environment and housing
• Cut crime and improve community safety
• Promote economic regeneration
• Deliver positive outcomes for all children and young people
• Deliver the highest quality services
The BSF vision
Blackburn with Darwen is passionately committed to ensuring every child and young person is equipped
with all that they need to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and
achieve economic well being, within a cohesive and multi cultural society.
Through BSF, we aim to better meet the individual needs of each child and young person and provide
parents with a real choice through the creation of sustainable, state of the art learning environments
and resources, in the right locations.
BSF priorities have been directed by the 25 priorities of the children and young peoples’ plan, and
shaped by the Local Strategic Partnership and seven key themes of the community plan, ensuring a
cohesive approach is established between BSF outcomes and overall corporate objectives.
The vision
• Have high ambition; looking for all schools to exceed national targets by 2016
• Close the gap on levels of aspiration, achievement and success; engaging those
traditionally disengaged
• Accelerate the rate of improvement in secondary school standards and improving
attendance and enjoyment of school for all
• Create a seamless continuum of personalised provision of high quality learning,
development and support for children aged 0 -19 ensuring better outcomes for all
• Develop an effective strategy for addressing segregation of communities through the
development of the highest quality offer by all schools together with a shared ethos of
integration and inclusion that promote social equity
• Ensure secondary schools play a full part in the delivery of excellent integrated and
extended services to communities
• Provide for the needs and preferences of the borough’s diverse population through
access to a group of community and faith schools, including an Academy and Trust
school
• Ensure that all schools are inclusive and that the pattern of provision across the
borough enables all children and young people to meet their potential
• Enable all young people to access their full 14-19 entitlement and progress
successfully to employment, training, further and higher education as appropriate
• Embrace the opportunities that ICT brings to deliver improved outcomes for children
Building Schools
and young people and their families
BSF is not just about buildings. ICT and technology alone will not transform learning. However BSF will
help us to deliver our vision faster by creating learning and community spaces that are:
future
• intelligently designed
• inspirational and welcoming
for the
•
•
•
accessible, yet safe and secure
adaptable to meet changing needs
suitably equipped and fit for purpose
• sustainable and environmentally friendly
• equipped with functional, learning led technology
BSF: Transforming learning, communities and lives
Programme leadership and management
BSF is a corporate priority, with both the leader of the council and executive member for children’s
services playing a ‘hands on’ role in programme development.
The project owner, Harry Catherall, is the deputy chief executive who works closely with the project
board, strategic director of children’s services and project director to ensure adequate development
resources are in place. As deputy chief executive, the project owner is in an ideal position to promote
and champion the project to elected members, other key stakeholders and external bodies.
The project director, Lisa Bibby, experienced in education and community regeneration programme
management, reports directly to the deputy chief executive and strategic director of children’s services.
A project board was established early in the programme. Its terms of reference reflect a long tem
commitment to timely decision making so that the programme moves forward effectively and efficiently.
Membership is drawn from a range of corporate chief officers, the project director, project owner (chair)
and governor and headteacher representatives, as well as the chief executive of the Primary Care Trust.
An established core project team, responsible for programme development and delivery, is in place and
is supported by a wider project team, made up of senior officers all highly experienced in their own fields
of expertise.
The Council has appointed experienced advisors to provide expert advice, throughout programme
development. These include Grant Thornton, finance, Beachcrofts, legal, Tribal, ICT and Capita
Symonds, technical advisors through an existing strategic partnership arrangement with the Council.
Navigant provide strategic commercial and procurement advice to the project board.
The Local Education Partnership (LEP)
The Council and its partners are fully committed to the procurement of the BSF transformation
programme through a LEP model. Blackburn with Darwen has significant experience of working within
public private partnerships, as both client and commissioner, and as such, is comfortable with the LEP
model concept as an effective partnership vehicle.
A LEP provides long term partnering services to the local authority, so that the aims of BSF can be
delivered. It is a joint venture company comprising of the local authority, Partnerships for Schools (PfS)
and a private sector partner.
The local authority has a contract with the LEP, a strategic partnership agreement, which gives exclusive
rights to the LEP to deliver projects for a fixed period. The LEP will act as the single point of contact for
the procurement, delivery and integration of all services required and will organise the supply chain.
The private sector is expected to bring commitment to partnership, continuous improvement, innovation,
provision of development capital and effective supply chain management. In return, the public sector
offers the LEP a long term programme of investment, exclusivity on defined activities, repeat business
and a role in project development.
The project
B. Site Identification
C. Site Constraints
1.0 Pleckgate High School 1.1 Aerial Photo
1.2 Site Analysis
1.3 Existing Plan & Own
1.4 Description of existin
2.0 Darwen Vale High School 2.1 Aerial Photo
2.2 Site Analysis
2.3 Existing Plan & Own
2.4 Description of existin
3.0 Witton Park High School 3.1 Aerial Photo
3.2 Site Analysis
3.3 Existing Plan & Own
3.4 Description of existin
4.0 East Blackburn / Crosshill colocated
5.0 Blakewater College 5.1 Aerial Photo
5.2 Site Analysis
5.3 Existing Plan & Own
5.4 Description of existin
6.0 St Bedes R.C High School 6.1 Aerial Photo
6.2 Site Analysis
6.3 Existing Plan & Own
6.4 Description of existin
7.0 St Thomas' Centre 7.1 Aerial Photo
7.2 Site Analysis
7.3 Existing Plan & Own
7.4 Description of existin
8.0 Tauheedul Islam Girls High School 8.1 Aerial Photo
8.2 Site Analysis
8.3 Existing Plan & Own
8.4 Description of existin
9.0 Our Lady & St John R.C High School 9.1 Aerial Photo
9.2 Site Analysis
9.3 Existing Plan & Own
9.4 Description of existin
Blackburn with Darwen Ward Boundary Map with School Locations shown by colour
N
To achieve our transformational vision will require an estimated £150m, joined up with other investment
streams to include the primary capital programme and other regeneration investment.
The Blackburn with Darwen programme will be delivered in one wave and will include three PFI new
builds and five remodelled schools. These include the establishment of a co-located secondary and
special needs school and a flexible curriculum resource centre. Development is scheduled in two
phases, with building work planned to begin in 2010 and end in 2015. Further investment will support
the introduction of a fully integrated managed ICT service into 11 schools, including recent new builds
that are outside of the BSF capital programme.
Building Schools
Two sample schools are proposed during phase 1 of the programme. These are Pleckgate High School,
a tandem new build on the current site, with the existing school remaining fully operational and Darwen
Vale, 65% new build and 35% remodel with a full decant of pupils during any works.
It is anticipated that the programme will involve two tandem builds, four ‘on completion’ site transfers
future
and three schools requiring decant/temporary accommodation arrangements.
for the
BSF: Transforming learning, communities and lives
The project
Core BSF investment phasing programme table
No of Estimated Main build
Name of School Work split Operational
Pupils GIFA (m2) commences
Phase 1 (2010 – 2013)
Pleckgate High
1350 10,894 New Build Q1 - 2010 Q2 - 2012
School - sample
Darwen Vale High
65% new build
School 1200 10,000 Q3 - 2010 Q3 - 2012
35% remodelling
- sample
Witton Park High
1230 10,090 New Build Q3 - 2010 Q2 - 2012
School
Blakewater College
/ Crosshill
954 8,380 New Build Q3 - 2010 Q2 - 2012
Co-located Special
School
Phase 2 (2012 to 2016)
40% new build
St Thomas Centre 140 3,767 27% remodelling Q2 - 2012 Q3 - 2013
33% refurbishment
40% new build
St Bede’s RC High
1050 9,100 45% remodelling Q1 - 2013 Q1 - 2015
School
15% refurbishment
35% new build
Our Lady & St John
930 8,170 55% remodelling Q4 - 2013 Q1 - 2015
RC High School
10% refurbishment
15% new build
Tauheedal Islam
600 6,000 50% remodelling Q3 - 2015 Q3 - 2016
Girls High School
35% refurbishment
LEP Scope
It is envisaged that the LEP will focus initially on the delivery of the core BSF programme, with complete
exclusivity over BSF investments. In addition, it is planned that the LEP will deliver further school
investment programmes, including the Primary Capital Programme.
It is anticipated that the LEP will provide hard FM services to all BSF schools, to secure a consistently
high standard of buildings maintenance and future sustainability. It is also expected that the LEP will
provide optional soft FM services to BSF schools, the wider school estate and co-located community
facilities, including grounds maintenance, cleaning and security.
The authority is committed to the delivery of an ICT managed service through the LEP, which the LEP
would provide to BSF schools on an exclusive basis. Schools have already considered, and recognised,
the opportunities of an area wide ICT managed service. The authority will want the LEP to demonstrate
value for money so that the cost of FM and lifecycle for the D&B schools can be met from existing
budgets. In addition, the Council is working closely with non BSF secondary schools, primary schools
and children’s centres to promote their involvement in the managed service, to develop easy access
for all to high quality elearning opportunities and ensure efficient and effective information and data
sharing across schools, agencies and corporate systems.
The LEP: future possibilities
Discussions continue with partners to explore opportunities for other investment programmes to be
delivered through the LEP.
The authority is actively exploring specific joined up investment with the Learning and Skills Council
(LSC) through the 14 -19 Strategic Partnership. While control options currently place emphasis on the
educational building needs, wider aspects of development are being considered, in particular those
involving key stakeholders such as the Primary Care Trust, the Council’s culture, leisure and sport
department (CLS) and Sport England.
Work has been undertaken with local representatives of the “big five” sports’ governing bodies to
identify potential investment opportunities on the school sites. A similar process has been adopted with
a number of cultural interest groups.
Building Schools
for the
future
BSF: Transforming learning, communities and lives
Processes and key milestones
Blackburn with Darwen is committed to the ‘standard contractual model’ as outlined in PfS guidance
materials and use of PfS standardised output specification, strategic partnership agreement, LEP
shareholders agreement, PFI project agreement, D&B contract, ICT contract and management services
agreement.
An overview of the BSF process:
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Processes & key milestones
Blackburn with Darwen: Key milestones to financial close
Milestone Date
• Submit OBC Q2 2008
• PIN published Q1 2008
• Publish OJEU notice Q2 2008
• Bidders day Q2 2008
• PQQ returns deadline Q3 2008
• Issue ITPD Q3 2008
• Issue ITCD Q4 2008
Building Schools
• Invitation to submit final bids
• Appoint preferred partner
• Establish shadow LEP
Q3 2009
Q4 2009
Q4 2009
future
• Submission of FBC Q4 2009
• Approval letter issued Q4 2009
for the
• Financial Close Q1 2010
BSF: Transforming learning, communities and lives
Communication and engagement
Blackburn with Darwen recognises the importance of effective stakeholder management as a
vital success factor to any transformational change programme.
The complex nature of BSF means that there are many, varied stakeholder groups both internal
and external to the client organisation. To address this, a comprehensive communication and
stakeholder engagement strategy has been developed and a significant programme of activities
undertaken to ensure continued stakeholder buy in and involvement during each phase of the
programme, informing development. The plan is very much a living document, updated and
evaluated on a regular basis.
Delivery of the communication plan is resourced by a dedicated project officer for
communication and engagement, who is supported by the Council’s corporate communications
and media team.
Challenges
The BSF programme is a major undertaking for the Council and its partners. Blackburn with Darwen
is committed to a successful programme delivery, within time, quality and cost parameters, and
supporting its partners to achieve this.
Change management
The Council is recognised for its professional and effective approach to both programme planning
and management. Blackburn with Darwen is working closely with all key stakeholders, particularly
the school workforce, to develop plans to support school staff and pupils during, and leading up to,
the transition period to ensure minimal disruptions and continued buy in. As a Beacon Council for
‘transforming the school workforce’, we have significant experience that puts us in an excellent position
to lead and manage this complex change programme.
School organisation
The Council is committed to providing an excellent and sustainable pattern of provision for the future
and our BSF proposals reflect this. To address this and to meet future pupil place demand forecasts,
the Council is preparing to close two schools, one community school and one special school. Detailed
consultation has already taken place with a wide range of stakeholders and statutory consultation will
be complete by February 2008. The decision to close a school is always difficult, particularly for staff,
pupils and the local community and because of this the Council has held a targeted and comprehensive
programme of engagement and consultation for those most affected. Robust plans, policies and
support mechanisms are being developed to ensure standards of education are maintained and blight
is avoided throughout the transition period leading up to school organisation changes.
Training and development
All authorities new to BSF need to develop knowledge and understanding of the national programme.
Before formally joining the programme, Blackburn with Darwen worked closely with 4Ps to carry out a
skills and knowledge audit that has informed our BSF resource planning including recruitment priorities
and training and development. The authority will continue to participate in the 4Ps expert client
programm,e as well as learn from and with other members of the BSF programme network supported by
4Ps.
Challenges
Communications
The Council is dedicated to providing clear, concise, and timely communications with all stakeholders.
Existing technologies, such as video/telephone conferencing are used on a regular basis to reduce
delays and costs. The Council is always looking at ways to improve communications and has recently
developed an extranet portal, the BSF ‘information sharing platform’, which will support management
and planning processes and improve both internal and external communication, engagement and
feedback opportunities. This will also be used to maximise efficiencies throughout the procurement
phase for both authority and bidders.
Media
The Council’s corporate communications team are responsible for effective media handling and the
children’s services department has two highly experienced corporate communications officers assigned
to it. Both officers have established excellent relations with the local media, and work closely with
the BSF communications officer to identify and manage possible risks and promote positive media
opportunities.
Reduction and management of bidding costs
Blackburn with Darwen is committed to supporting potential partners to manage and reduce bidding
costs wherever possible. The Council is currently undertaking market research to support this. If you
would like to contribute to this research, your views would be welcomed. Contact details are available at
the end of this brochure.
Building Schools
for the
future
BSF: Transforming learning, communities and lives
The team
Harry Catherall - Peter Morgan - Lisa Bibby - Helen Seechurn -
Deputy Chief Executive Strategic Director of BSF Project Director Head of Strategic
Community & Personal Chidrens Services Resources
Mebz Bobat - Head of Helen Olive - Susan Selsby - Jon Stonehouse -
Service - Extending & Client Services & Head of Service - Head of Service - 14-19
Enhancing Learning Premises Workforce Development
Timo Murphy - Andy Baker - Dave Ramsey - Ann Bennett -
BSF Project Manager Principal Premises Officer Head of Service - Children Head of Service - Learning
with Complex Needs Access & Personalisation
Jeanette Moister - Kate Bond - Caroline Sexton - Rizwana Kauser -
Senior Accountant Learning Transformation Procurement Support BSF Legal Lead
Lead Officer
Saskia Rose - Project Heather Owen -
Officer - Communications BSF Administrator
Engagement
Advisors & partners
www.beachcroft.co.uk
www.capitasymonds.co.uk
www.grant-thornton.co.uk
www.navigantconsulting.com
www.tribalgroup.co.uk
www.partnershipsforschools.org.uk
www.4ps.gov.uk
BSF: Transforming learning, communities and lives
Achievements and experiences
Below are just some of the achievements and experiences of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council:
• national MJ community leadership award 2006: Awarded to Blackburn with
Darwen for its cohesion strategy and activities
• excellence in public service delivery: The contribution of children’s services to
maintaining and improving outcomes for children and young people was judged as
a service that constantly delivers above requirements in the Annual Performance
Assessment 2005
• Guardian public services award 2004: Awarded to the Council for its network of
integrated children’s centres initiative
• culture & leisure: The Council is one of only four nationally to secure ‘Everyday
Sport’ funding from Sport England
• overcoming worklessness: Blackburn with Darwen is one of only 15 areas to gain
City Employment Strategy pathfinder status. This is testimony to our commitment
to effective partnership working, both locally and with central government agencies
• local strategic partnership: Acknowledged by the Government as one of the most
effective in the country, when assessed by Government Office North West
• local & regional regeneration: The Council has considerable experience of large
scale investment programmes and initiatives, including East Lancashire LIFT, ERDF
and NRF.
• public-private partnerships: Nationally recognised as one of the first councils to
embark on a successful multi million pound public-private partnership.
In partnership with Blackburn with Darwen
A partnership with Blackburn with Darwen offers opportunities to work with an authority
recognised for its:
• innovation
• capacity and capability
• ability to deliver its promises
• effective prioritisation of investment
• strong leadership and management
• direct, clear, yet unobtrusive communication
• professional planning and project management
• excellent collaboration, coordination and cooperation
Building Schools
for the
future
BSF: Transforming learning, communities and lives
Contacts us
If you would like further information about Blackburn with Darwen’s Building Schools
for the Future programme, please contact Saskia Rose, project officer, communication
and engagement at:
BSF,
West Wing 3a,
The Exchange,
Ainsworth Street,
Blackburn,
BB1 6AD
Email: saskia.rose@blackburn.gov.uk
Telephone: (01254) 666746
