Green light for primary school transformation
Warwickshire County Council has been successful in its application for £12 million Government funding to renew up to 100 primary school buildings across the county.
The Government’s Primary Strategy for Change programme is designed to raise levels of educational attainment though investment in primary schools.
Warwickshire was one of 41 local authorities to be given its full funding allocation and the council will receive £4.8 million for 2009/2010 and £7.2 million the following year to invest in school building projects.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) this week approved Warwickshire County Council’s bid, which was submitted to ministers in the summer.
Work is now gathering pace to plan the first stage of Primary Strategy for Change in Warwickshire. The council intends to rebuild five per cent of primary school buildings in the worst condition, and refurbish a further 45 per cent of primary school buildings.
The scheme is designed to reassert the key role played by primary schools in local communities. It aims to give every child and family access to year-round extended childcare, parenting support, after schools activities and ICT, sports and arts facilities.
To kick-start Primary Strategy for Change and progress other major school projects, Warwickshire has appointed Mark Gore as Head of Transforming Education. Mr Gore’s brief will be to oversee the investment in both primary and secondary education.
Mark Gore said: “This new funding presents a unique chance to transform primary education in the county. We want to have schools that are tailored for 21st century teaching and learning, and for providing extended services to children, young people, their families and the community.
“I am excited by the challenge of making the most of the opportunities for investment in Warwickshire schools over the coming years, and leaving a legacy of learning environments which will enhance educational attainment for decades to come.”
The Government’s Primary Capital Programme will fund more than 1,500 primary school projects nationwide, including building 350 new schools. It is worth a total of £3.5billion.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families, added: “During the bid process we spoke at great length to primary school headteachers on the principles of our strategy and will be continuing the work with all our partners over the next couple of months.
"It is important that the vision for primary education in Warwickshire is jointly owned by schools, the council and everybody with a stake in the future of our children.”
Warwickshire County Council is also looking to bring forward its bid for Government’s Building Schools for the Future money to invest in secondary education.
For further information please visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/primarystrategyforchange