Rising birth rates prompt school expansion plans

The Executive will meet on Tuesday November 4 to consider proposals to increase numbers at Barkerend Primary, Stocks Lane Primary, Wycliffe CE Primary and Lidget Green Primary (Trust) School.

The council has decided which schools to expand based on where need is greatest, having assessed birth rates and housing developments.

The proposals follow discussions with the schools and after consultation.

Members of the Executive are asked to:

* Approve plans to extend the building at Barkerend Primary School and increase its capacity from 412 up to 630 pupils.

* Approve an application to extend the building at Stocks Lane Primary School and increase its capacity to 210 pupils, up from 105.

* Approve plans to extend the building at Wycliffe CE Primary School and increase the capacity from 315 up to 420 pupils.

* Note the proposal to extend the building and increase the capacity at Lidget Green Primary School from 525 to 630.

It is up to governors at Lidget Green Primary on whether to increase the published intake, with statutory notices not required because the proposed enlargement is below 200 pupils and less than a 25 per cent increase in capacity.

Councillor Ralph Berry, executive member for children’s services, said: “We have been consulting for several years on increasing intakes at primary schools to meet rising demand in the most effective way possible.

“These proposals are designed to keep us one step ahead of the curve as part of our ongoing action to deliver school places for young people where they are needed most.”