CONSULTATIONS OF SCHOOL EXPANSIONS

CONSULTATIONS on plans to expand 17 primary schools in Coventry got underway this week.

The proposals have been drawn up in response to a rising birth rate over recent years.

As the Times reported in December last year, an influx of families moving into the area and the city’s booming birth rate has caused education bosses to look at expanding several primary schools to cater for extra children.

Figures released by Coventry’s Primary Care Trust showed that in 2000 there were 3,600 babies born – this increased by nearly 30 per cent in 2008 to 4,500 births a year.

Now the PCT and information from GP surgeries have indicated there could be a deficit of 411 reception year places in September 2012.

Work has already gone into addressing this issue with 15 primary schools due to be expanded by September 2010.

During the consultations officials will also be looking at 17 schools, which have been identified as having the potential to expand either by September 2011 or 2012.

These range from utilising existing accommodation, installing modular classrooms and partial and complete new builds.

The consultations, which last until January 25, 2010, will include a public meeting at each of the 17 schools, where people can see an outline of proposals and have a chance to give views and opinions.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for children, learning and young people, said: “The consultation is very important as it gives us the opportunity to get a variety of different views on how our primary schools should evolve in the future and I would encourage people to find the time to take part and let us know what they think.”

For more information on the proposals and to take part in the consultation, visit www.coventry.gov.uk/schoolconsultation.

The primary schools involved in the consultation are:

September 2011

*Allesley

*Hearsall

*Henley Green

*Holbrook

*John Gulson

*Moseley

*Southfields

*Spon Gate

*Stoke Heath

September 2012

*Alderman’s Green

*Grange Farm

*Howes

*Moat House

*Sacred Heart

*St Augustine’s

*St Bartholomew’s

*St Osburg’s.