Our run-down schools need improvement

Hamish Hutchinson 1597 - 1597 • Published 27 Aug 2008 12:30 0 Comments

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SNP bids to play positive role in 3-12 review

THE Wee County"s SNP councillors are eager to play a positive role to ensure that Clackmannanshire"s children are given the best possible start in schools fit for the 21st century.

Councillors from all parties have been discussing the future of educational provision in the county, with all primary schools and nurseries coming under scrutiny as part of a 3-12 review.

And the SNP"s education spokesman, Councillor Mark English (pictured above), is determined to ensure that the review leads to a marked improvement in the condition of many of the county"s run-down school buildings.

'One of the areas we are focusing on in regards to the school estate is the maintenance of school buildings,' he said. 'Eleven of the buildings have been assessed as being in poor or worse condition and we obviously find this unacceptable.

'Immediate measures need to be taken to ensure that an increased and sustainable maintenance budget for the schools estate is considered by the council.

'We have schools that aren"t fit for 21st century education and we have to make a bold attempt to improve the conditions in our schools and the attainment of our pupils.'

Mr English believes it is important that all parties work together to ensure that innovative solutions can be found for the challenges that lie ahead in the council"s educational provision.

He said, 'We are happy to be involved in the three to 12 review looking at the schools estate and are looking to give a positive contribution with suggestions to improving the estate which exceed what would normally be acceptable.

'We take on board the comments that have already been made by Provost Derek Stewart and head of education Jim Goodall, and we will ensure that Scottish Government guidelines are applied in Clackmannanshire where they benefit the schools estate.'

As previously reported in the Advertiser one of the many options being considered by the working group is the possible merger of Craigbank, Fishcross and Deerpark primaries along with Sauchie Nursery.

However the SNP says that any proposed merger shouldn"t result in an increase in class sizes, which it feels would be detrimental to children"s education.

'Both nationally and locally we have consistently pushed for a reduction in class sizes, which would be of particular benefit in Clackmannanshire given the areas of high deprivation we have,' said Mr English.

'The SNP group has always maintained that class sizes of no more than 18 in primary 1-3 are beneficial and have consistently pushed for that to be implemented in Clackmannanshire.

'Where new builds are considered reference to building design should be taken with reduced class sizes in mind.'

Mr English added that it was vital that there were no further cuts in supervisory assistants in classrooms given the added pressures that teachers are under, particularly due to the inclusion agenda which sees youngsters with learning and physical difficulties taught in mainstream schools.

He also believes that small, rural schools, such as Fishcross and Muckhart primaries, should be safeguarded under any new proposals.

'The SNP"s national policy is to retain rural schools as we believe that pupils have a better learning experience in small to medium sized settings, rather than large, impersonal schools,' he said.

'We have always maintained, both as a party and a group on the council, that rural schools are of particular benefit to Clackmannanshire.'

A campus-based model for nursery and primary schools would also be of greater benefit to pupils education, says the SNP, as it believes integrated provision would give children continuity right through the early years of their education.

Mr English added, 'Whatever views are formed as part of any review we would wish to go to parents and the wider community for full consultation before any decisions are made so their views are taken on board.'

This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 27 Aug 08

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