COUNCIL chiefs have approved a draft “strategy for change” for Warrington’s primary schools which could lead to the town receiving £44 million from the government over the next 14 years.
The strategy is designed to help areas of deprivation, the state of school buildings and the challenge of population change.
In Warrington, the expectation is that five per cent of schools will be re-built or taken out of use and 45 per cent improved to bring them up to 21st century standards.
A number of schools which could benefit from the strategy during its first two years are named.
They are St Margaret’s CE Primary, Orford, Great Sankey Primary, St Joseph’s RC Primary, Penketh, Winwick CE Primary and Oughtrington Primary at Lymm.
In addition, a number of areas have been identified as priorities for investment.
They are Bewsey, Dallam and Whitecross, which includes Evelyn Street, Dallam and Bewsey Lodge schools, Woolston, including Woolston Primary, St Peter’s RC, Woolston CE and Bruche schools, Great Sankey, including Sycamore Lane Primary and Fairfield schools.
The council’s executive board has approved the strategy for submission to the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) who must approve it before it is included in a £7 billion nationwide capital investment programme starting next year.
On current DCSF guidance it is estimated Warrington would receive £14 million.
Council leader Ian Marks said: “This is a massive amount of money. It would enable useto have major capital investment in the future. There are schools in need of improvement and with this money we could be a lot more ambitious.”
Executive member for Children’s Services Coun Sheila Woodyatt added: “This is very good news for our primary schools. It is intended to ensure that all primary schools are fully equipped to provide 21st century learning.”
The council stresses that the strategy – which has been subject to widespread consultation with head teachers, school governors, church leaders and others – is not a review of primary school places across the town.
The next review of this type will take place in the autumn and will provide further information for the strategy.
COUNCIL chiefs have approved a draft "strategy for change" for Warrington's primary schools which could lead to the town receiving a massive £44 million from the government over the next 14 years.
£44 million for town's primary schools
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
