42 In May 2006, Solihull completed the construction of the first BSF 'quick win' school, co-locating two Special Educational Needs schools on the same site. A further two schools have been opened as part of the main BSF programme.
43 It commenced its ICT managed services before the new school opened. This allowed an easier transition for staff and pupils. It also gave the added benefit of a longer period of ICT service provision. ICT legacy equipment will only be transferred to the new buildings if it is suitable for the new network and managed service provision.
44 Solihull experienced over a year's delay agreeing its contracts, mainly due to extensive negotiations with private sector parties, preparation of non-LEP standard documentation and redesigning schools to incorporate school leadership teams' comments. This led to high procurement costs, which the Local Authority estimates to be £3.2 million (3.9 per cent of capital funding).
45 BSF funding for ICT lasts for 5 years and will effectively end in Solihull during August 2010. Solihull does not have a sinking fund and has not identified alternative funding sources for a refresh of the ICT contract after 2010.