Telford & Wrekin Council gets all clear to review schools programme
Telford & Wrekin Council’s request to review its Building Schools for the Future programme has been approved by central government and new plans are now being drawn up.
The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Education, Lord Jonathan Hill of Oareford, gave the council the all clear to draw up a revised programme this week.
The decision to revisit the scope of the original plans has been initiated by a change of central government policy to expand the academy programme.
It also reflects a desire by the council’s current administration to build new schools in existing communities as part of a plan to create a Co-operative Council.
A report detailing the new plans will go to the council’s cabinet on November 10 with the aim of a full consultation with the public starting the following day and lasting until next spring.
Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “In common with many other Local Authorities, Telford and Wrekin has experienced a decline in its school population in recent years.
“The impact of this allows for different options to be considered for the provision of secondary places and I am delighted the government has agreed that we can go ahead and do that.
“Our aim is to drive up standards and ensure that high quality education is in place across the borough, especially in our most disadvantaged communities.
“We are now drawing up plans to change the programme to ensure we achieve that and our public consultation will start in early November.”
Telford & Wrekin Council is using a combination of its own funding, Building Schools for the Future cash and contributions from key partners to transform the borough’s educational estate.
The government decision will mean a revised programme is drawn up to ensure the programme achieves the best possible value for money but also improves standards in key areas.
