£46m extra money to transform primaries

ROUNDTHORN Primary School which opened in 2001 is set to be expanded to take an extra 210 pupils

OLDHAM’S run-down primary schools are to be transformed with a multi-million pound makeover.

The borough is set to receive more than £46 million extra investment over the next 14 years from the Government’s Primary Capital Programme.

This will modernise buildings and classrooms, equip schools with new IT equipment, extend successful and popular schools and look at the future of those with surplus places.

Pupils with special educational needs will be given greater access to mainstream schools.

Ministers have said that Oldham should aim to either rebuild or stop using 15 per cent of school buildings in the worst condition, and to refurbish a further 35 per cent by the end of the programme

The programme will also make sure that there are sufficient primary school places available, taking into account areas where new housing is planned.

Investment will be based on priorities such as educational standards, the condition and suitability of school buildings, the demand for school places and deprivation.

Draft proposals are:

::A new two form entry school in the Werneth/Coppice/Hathershaw area.

::Extending Freehold, Stanley Road, Geenhill and Roundthorn primary schools.

::Amalgamating St Stephen’s Infant and Parish Church Junior schools.

::Building a new school to replace the amalgamated High Barn Junior and Byron Street Infant schools.

Oldham has a £23 million primary school repairs backlog, £16 million of which is considered urgent.

The £46 million is on top of the £13 million-a-year which has already been allocated to improve schools and Oldham’s £230 million Building Schools for the Future plans to overhaul secondary accommodation.

Councillor Kay Knox, cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “We want to deliver modern primary schools with the best facilities. We also want schools to be at the heart of communities with services for children within reach of every family.

“This new money is just part of the massive capital investment going into our schools and is a very welcome boost to our ambition to provide every Oldham child with the best start in life.”

The council is working with head teachers in primary and special schools on the proposals and consultation is under way.

Copies of the Primary Strategy for Change are available from the Asset Management Section, Level 9, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham OL1 1XJ (telephone 0161-770 4294); from local libraries; and at www.oldham.gov.uk