Published on:
04
February 2010
Public consultation on the possibility of a new primary school in Alloa West is underway.
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 significant advantages over the other suggestions. The option of refurbishing the existing schools were considered and costed, however this choice would disrupt learning and reduce the amount of outdoor and playground space available.
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 also and online consultation via ClacksWeb and leaflets with a feedback form will soon be widely available.
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."
Building a new school would not disrupt the work of either 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 School 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.
You can fill in an online consultation form
Or you can email Head of Schools Jim Goodall at jgoodall@clacks.gov.uk or write to him at Lime Tree House, Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EX.
More information about the Government's school building programme, including case studies, is available online.