Possible merger of Alloa schools

Iain Robertson • Published 2 Dec 2009 10:32 0 Comments

TWO Alloa Primary schools could be set to combine after the Scottish Government agreed in principle to provide funding for a new building.

The future of St John's and Claremont primary schools will now be dependent on the results of a full consultaion with parents and other stakeholders.

Nothing will be finalised until that happens, but Holyrood has confirmed it would consider providing funding towards a new building for the schools.

Clackmannanshire councillor and portfolio holder for inclusion, George Matchett, said, "We want to find out what sort of building and environment parents and others want for our children.

"While a new school building is one option, others may emerge during consultation. There are advantages to combining the two schools, giving greater flexibility and a wide range of experienced teachers to call upon, but we want to know what parents think about this."

The next stage is for councillors to give the go ahead to the consultation process.

Mr Matchett continued, "If this is approved, consultation is likely to begin in January. To move the project on, the council will consult widely and hold a public meeting, in accordance with legislation. HMIE will be fully involved."

To gauge reaction to any possible changes, the Advertiser spoke to some parents who have children at St John's and Claremont schools.

Mum Ashley Paterson, who has one child at St John's, said, "I think it would be quite a good idea if the schools combined. St John's is in need of a revamp so a new school would be even better."

Gillian Beattie, who has two children at the same school, echoed that feeling, saying, "We need a new school, so they need to build it. I'd like to see larger sports facilities if they do go ahead with it as the kids all have plenty of energy to burn off."

Parents at Claremont said they hadn't had much time to think about the situation having only just been informed about it.

But Karen Clarkson, who has two children at the school, said, "I don't think it would be a bad thing. If it does go ahead I would like to see better sports facilities, perhaps a basketball court."

Clackmannanshire Council said the current buildings of both St John's and Claremont primary schools are difficult to adapt to the best learning environment, not in good condition and increasingly expensive to maintain. The council has been considering options to improve them for some time and say it is fortuitous that this funding announcement has coincided with the process.

School staff, parents and parent councils have been informed of the recent funding announcement and will be kept fully informed as the consultation progresses.

If the schools do combined it would reduce the number of primary schools in Alloa to four.

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