Bracknell

An ambitious Bracknell 13-year plan for primary school education has been unveiled at a council meeting this week.

Bracknell Forest Council presented its Primary Capital Strategy for Change (PCSfC) report at an executive meeting on Tuesday, July 22.

The PCSfC is a Government programme of capital investment in primary schools targeted at areas most in need and at school buildings in the worst physical condition. The programme aims to refurbish or remodel all primary schools in the borough, as well as fund the building of new schools when the need arises.

David Watkins, Chief Officer: Bracknell Performance and Resources, said: “The Primary Capital Strategy for Change is a positive plan for our schools.

“There is a direct link to the school environment and learning outcomes. With this strategy we aim to remove all environmental obstacles to teaching and learning, which will also improve pupil morale and behaviour.”

After consulting with schools, pupils and governors the Council has ranked the borough’s schools according to their need for improvements. The first phase of refurbishments will include Holly Spring Infant and Nursery, Crown Wood Primary, Sandy Lane Primary, Great Hollands Primary, Holly Spring Junior School and Ascot Heath Junior School.

Subject to the availability of funding, refurbishments for these schools could include:

• Addressing suitability issues to remove impediments to teaching and learning and improve standards of attainment, enabling pupils to enjoy and achieve and creating opportunities for excellence and equity.
• Refurbishment of kitchen and dining areas, combined with promotions, will make mealtimes more enjoyable and improve the take up of school meals contributing to healthy eating and improvements in health and fitness.
• High priority accessibility works will also be addressed to remove physical obstacles to accessing buildings and facilities.
• Improvements to toilets, which were the highest priority for pupils in the consultation.

Mr Watkins said: “Our philosophy is to work in partnership with our schools, local communities, private and voluntary sector organisations to ensure the vision is delivered for our children and young people. The Bracknell Forest ethos is that ‘All schools will be good schools’.”

Cllr Alan Kendall, Executive Member for Bracknell Education, said: "This plan for the capital investment in primary schools is essential for maintaining and further improving the borough's high standards in Key Stages 1 and 2.

"By investing money into our schools we are ensuring that pupils get the best possible education and it will greatly benefit the community as a whole in Bracknell Forest."

The PCSfC for Bracknell Forest will include all primary, infant and junior schools. This includes all voluntary aided, voluntary controlled and community schools and maintained nurseries.

Bracknell Forest Council