Parents have say on new school
A new £9 M primary in Cringleford is set to go ahead, despite doubts over millions earmarked to build future schools by Labour. Last night parents gave their views on the vision for the new school.
Parents said what they think the new primary should be like, at a public meeting last night. Staff and governors Cringleford CE VA School want to take on board what works well at the existing school, and to build that into the ethos of the new 420-place primary on Round House Park.
Top of their list is the current caring attitude, the sense of community and strong leadership. They want a place where “children thrive, learn and are happy”; a place where “everyone in the school community can flourish.”
The pupils at Cringleford have also been asked for their views. The School Council came up with 61 ideas alone, including gardens with shady areas, more trees and an athletic track.
A project meeting will be held next week which will start to pull together the vision for the school, fit for the C21st.
Alison Cunningham, a Schools Development Officer for the County Council talked about how the design of schools is changing. When asked if she was concerned about the funding for the new school, she said: “Because the funding has already been allocated, this school is probably alright but there are question marks over other building projects.” The Conservatives made a manifesto commitment to use some of the millions earmarked by Labour for future schools, to pay for their Free Schools and Academies Programme.
There’s already a waiting list for school places in Cringleford, and with over 1000 new houses being built on Round House Park, and more in the pipeline, the new school is essential. The aim is to build the school in time for September 2012, although Governors already concede that this date may slip. Mark Palmer, Chair of Governors is confident that the funding for the school is secure: “Undoubtedly there will be a squeeze on funding but because we are funding the project through a lot of different pots, such as the sale of the existing site and the Diocese, we should be able to go ahead.”
Headteacher Gillian Blake said: “We’ve been through a lot of trauma to get to this stage. Now the fun begins… To us it’s very exciting to think of all the fantastic things we can achieve.”
Comment
