Published on:
20
December 2019
A new strategy which sets out the Council’s aspirations for our schools and proposals for meeting educational needs through our vision for well designed, maintained and managed schools has been agreed.
A meeting of the Council approved the Learning Estate Strategy (LES), and the plans to undertake related consultations, appraisals and planning to deliver those improvements that ensure we continue to provide excellent educational opportunities. The strategy is a key part of the work that is ongoing in Clackmannanshire to ensure that our children leave education skilled and well prepared for life, work and future learning, with a bright, positive future ahead of them.
The learning estate is a community asset which can support the achievement of improved community outcomes that are key to the Council’s Corporate Plan to ensure that our families, children and young people have the best possible start in life. The condition, age and the changing demands on buildings means that some of the estate in Clackmannanshire no longer meets the needs of modern learners, and the LES work will guide the plans and investment to consolidate and transform in order to deliver improved outcomes to our communities.
The LES aims to make the education estate in Clackmannanshire a significant community resource which is accessible, well designed, maintained and managed and can facilitate engagement with learning and support for a wide range of activities and welcome people of all ages.
New ways of learning are being developed which use technology to integrate learning experiences to create new and diverse skills. The use of digital as part as part of the planning of the future estate and community learning will be incorporated into planned investments.
A key element of the plans is the delivery of the increase to 1140 hours of early learning and childcare (ELC) by August 2020. This will enable families, children and young people to have the best possible start in life, and the quality of our ELC model is recognised nationally with increased hours already being delivered at a number of our nurseries.
Cllr Graham Lindsay, Education Spokesperson at Clackmannanshire Council said: “This strategy sets out our ambitious priorities for education in Clackmannanshire, as we build on our progress in closing the attainment gap. We’ve already delivered fantastic modern facilities including the impressive Tullibody South Campus, and we want to see that progress continue in Clackmannanshire. Our focus is on ensuring our young people have a rounded educational experience that prepares them for further education, training and the world of work. The provision of modern, flexible and inclusive facilities is a key part of that work, and this strategy will help guide us to talk to our communities and deliver those improvements.”