As the Messenger has reported recently, and many parents with young children will know, there is a growing shortage of school places for primary school age children in the area.
A shorterm solution was found thanks to the staff, parents and governors at St Catherine’s – and the Catholic diocese – temporary classrooms are being set up at St Cath’s for another form (30 extra children) for the next three years from September. Whilst this is not ideal, it is better than children having to attend schools well outside the area (like Busk Meadows, Hucklow or Limpsfield).
Now, staff within the Children & Young Peoples Directorate of the City Council (CYPD formerly known as Education or ‘the LEA’), have brought together a number of key stakeholders to find a solution for the shortage of primary school places forecast for Burngreave and Fir Vale. It is possible that the solution could include at least one new primary school.
Colleagues in CYPD are all too well aware of the school closures in the area, and the scale of replacement, for example, at Pye Bank School. But the scale of the problem has changed quite rapidly. Burngreave and Fir Vale have experienced a population increase, which contrasts with what has happened across the rest of the city, where pupil numbers have declined significantly over the past eight years. The area used to have difficulty letting some rented housing; nowadays there are very few vacants. And more families are living in the area than previously – all of which is a sign of a revival of confidence. But the downside is that there are about one-third more 1–4 year olds at present, than 7–10 year olds.
A group of council officers, head teachers and other representatives responsible for educational provision are looking at this problem in some detail. It seems that in the Burngreave/Pitsmoor locality there is a demand for two more classes (60 places) for each year group; in Fir Vale, at least one more class. This could mean an extension (where possible) to the local primary schools, or more likely at present, a new school. Either way, the process isn’t short.
The Council team would agree a way forward by the summer, and then take a proposal to the City Council’s Cabinet by November. There would be a period of detailed, formal consultation in early 2007 around the area, which would lead to a bid for funding to the government in spring 2007, with a possible outcome by autumn 2007. A new school may then be completed in 2009 – a location has not been decided.
This provides a fantastic opportunity for children being born now to enjoy a school environment where learning and growing can be second to none. There are some wonderful schools here at present; but the designs of new schools or children’s centres in Heeley (Ann’s Grove) or at Tinsley Green are a sign of how things might look…
What can you do? Tricia Slater in CYPD’s Education Planning team (273 5820) is leading the project group and any subsequent proposal, which will form the basis of a full consultation process. Tricia is keen to hear people’s opinions, but would like to assure people that any plans will have to be thoroughly discussed and agreed locally, probably early next year.