Newcastle schools get green light for revamps
Nov 15 2008 by Paul James, The Journal
PLANS to revamp 36 primary schools across Newcastle have been given the green light by the Government, with an annual £10m on the way for city schools.
Newcastle Council’s plans for the schools transformation over the next 14 years has now been approved, with ministers praising Newcastle’s “clear and coherent vision” for the future.
The council will now receive its requested funding allocation for 2009-10, with funding for 2010-11 expected early next year, following the submission of further information to the Government.
Catherine Fitt, the council’s executive director of children’s services, said: “The Government’s endorsement of our strategy is excellent news, which marks the first step on a long journey towards making some of our oldest primary schools modern, well-equipped and exciting places where children can learn and achieve their very best.
“The approval of our strategy unlocks the funding we need to begin to make it happen.”
Earlier this year, the council’s identified its priorities as the rebuilding of Westgate Hill and Hawthorn Primary schools, and the proposed replacement of Wharrier Street and St Anthony’s primary schools in Walker with a single purpose-built school to support the ongoing regeneration in the area.
Coun Nick Cott, Newcastle’s executive member for children and young people, added: “We are delighted with the investment in our primary schools which will help to deliver first-class educational opportunities for our children.
“This is part of a long-term programme which the city council and schools have put together to help to sustain improving levels of achievement in our schools.”
The Newcastle programme is part of building plans worth £3.55bn approved by the Government across the country.
More than 350 primary schools will be newly built, new facilities will be constructed and major refurbishment carried out at a further 850 schools and smaller building works will take place at another 350.
Schools secretary Ed Balls said it was a once-in-a-generation chance to transform primary education in every part of the country.
Ian Fordham, deputy chief executive of the British Council for School Environments, said: “Primary schools are absolutely key to children’s development, so this is a good use of our resources – our school buildings do make a difference to how well children learn and behave.
“The key now is to ensure this money is well-spent in a common-sense way. It must complement other broader educational agendas such as the children’s plan, and the general health and wellbeing of young people, to ensure a long-term legacy for our children.”
