A £16m programme to modernise primary schools will see 100-year-old buildings upgraded and mobile classrooms replaced. This program will be carried out using energy efficient materials like double glazing and energy saving wall insulation.

Leicestershire County Council is due to reveal plans today to build high quality classrooms and new kitchens, introduce better computer technology and build new play and sports centres.

One of the schools to benefit will be Richmond Primary School, in Hinckley, which is still heated by coal boilers.

Head teacher Carolyn Munton said she could not wait to have modern classrooms.
She said: "The key stage two building is not suitable so we're really excited to have a new building which will have eight classrooms, an office block and a huge modern learning resources area combining ICT and the library.”

"We've been asking children what would be on their wishlist if one day it was rebuilt, without ever thinking that day would ever really come.”

"One feature they wanted was an outdoor learning area, and that's what we'll have, with double doors opening out from the classrooms.”

"The project will make a huge difference. At the moment, we're heated by coal fire boilers which means it can get too hot at times, while in winter it isn't warm enough. It is also not very energy efficient; that is why we are having a brand new boiler fitted along with double glazing windows."

As part of the new building, there will be provision for pupils from Dorothy Goodman Special School, in Hinckley.

The council has obtained £12m from the Government's Primary Strategy for Change initiative and is investing £4m from its own funds. However, they will be strongly encouraged to use the money to use energy efficient materials such as double glazing to carry out the refurbishment.

This time last year, ministers announced that the County Council was one of 15 authorities that had failed in their requests for money to rebuild crumbling classrooms, but the cash has now been forthcoming.

The schools chosen for the rebuilding projects were selected based on which ones were most in need of a refurbishment.
 

Author:  Thomas Davies

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