In its publication ‘Every
Child Matters: Primary Capital Programme’, the Government
stated its commitment to rebuild, remodel or refurbish at
least half of all primary schools by 2022/23. The aim is
to create primary schools that are equipped for 21st century
teaching and learning, and are at the heart of their communities,
placing children’s services in reach of every family.
Each local authority produced
a Primary Strategy for Change which would take into account
the views and aspirations of local interested parties. Ministers
have now confirmed that on the basis of the Strategies for
Change, the following allocations have been made:
41 local authorities meet all the requirements
set out in guidance and will receive their Primary
Capital Funding for 2009/10 and 2010/11
92 local authorities will receive details of
their earmarked funding for 2009/10, with further
work required to develop their plans before funding
is confirmed for future years
15 local authorities will receive additional
intensive expert advice and support, so that they
can resubmit their plans in the New Year
Why is Place Group involved? Place Group has been selected by the
Department for Children, Schools and Families to provide
education consultancy services in relation to the assessment
phase of the Primary Capital Programme. The support which
Place will provide is described in the official DCSF press
release as follows: “15 local authorities will
receive tailored, expert advice to get their plans up to
speed within three months, to enable funding to be released."
What is the purpose
of this website? Place Group has set up a tailor-made
website for the 92 local authorities who are required to
develop their plans before funding is confirmed for future
years. This will enable these local authorities to take
advantage of a number of resources on offer - including
a forum to discuss the common issues they are all facing;
exemplar documents and writing tips; and a resource bank
of guidance documents on the Primary Capital Programme.
“This is a once-in-a-generation
chance to transform primary education in
every part of the country – to sweep away buildings
now reaching
the end of their shelf life and drive up the quality
of our schools." Ed Balls - Secretary of State for Children,
Schools and Families
