Consultation over plan to merge schools

Published 10 Feb 2010 12:13 2 Comments

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St John's Primary could merge with Claremont Primary.

A Public consultation on the possibility of a new primary school in Alloa West is underway.

As previously revealed in the Advertiser, the Scottish Government announced at the end of last year that it would, in principle, be prepared to provide some funding towards a new building for St John's and Claremont primaries in Alloa.

A working group, which included independent education experts and parents, has carried out a review of future nursery and primary education across Clackmannanshire, with the aim of making it fit for purpose in the 21st Century.

Alloa West was seen as a priority and a number of options were identified.

The proposal to build a new school to accommodate pupils from both St John's and Claremont Primary Schools has, according to the council, significant advantages over the other suggestions.

Councillor George Matchett, Inclusion Portfolio Holder, 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.

"I would encourage everyone interested in this important issue to take part in the extensive consultation exercise and have their say."

The option of refurbishing the existing schools was considered, but this would disrupt learning and reduce the outdoor and playground space available.

Building a new school would not disrupt the work of the existing schools with no need to decant pupils to another location or temporary classrooms, which would be the case if the existing schools were refurbished or rebuilt on their existing sites.

St John's building is in a poor condition and even significant investment in the building wouldn't remove many of the difficulties inherent in its age, position and design. While Claremont is in a better condition, disabled access is poor and the accommodation could be improved.

The consultation period will last until the end of March and meetings are taking place with Parent Councils and Forums, teaching and other staff, discussions with pupils, and public meetings.

There is an online consultation via ClacksWeb and leaflets with a feedback form will soon be widely available.

Views can also be emailed to the council's head of schools Jim Goodall at jgoodall@clacks.gov.uk or write to him at Lime Tree House, Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EX.

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GAR
Unregistered User
Feb 18, 12:32
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Emmm. A new primary school in Alloa is required right enough. But isn't the Councils finance needing repaired first, or are we planning bankruptcy for the new financial year.

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political posturing
Unregistered User
Feb 18, 16:58
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Has Keith Brown said he's getting involved in sorting this one out yet? (Could be another photo opportunity there Mr Brown!)

Or perhaps his colleague Annabelle Ewing who's standing as MP for the area in the next Westminster Elections and who seems to be blaming Clackmannanshire Labour for everything from say global warming to snowy weather in this weeks Alloa Advertiser, can get involved and both can get that photo opportunity!

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