news story

15th February 2007

MP Backs Local School's Rebuilding Bid

Head teacher David Forrester and chair of governors Chris Moore showing local MP Steve Webb some of the problems with the school canteen

Northavon MP Steve Webb is backing plans by Pucklechurch CEVC Primary School for rebuilding of a significant part of the school, following a recent visit. The MP was shown round the school by head teacher David Forrester, chair of governors Chris Moore, and school governor Marilyn Palmer, before taking part in a school assembly. The school canteen was highlighted as an area in need of particular attention, with very poor standards of insulation, problems with mould and damp, and a roof lined with asbestos.

Steve Webb said:

"Pucklechurch is an excellent community school and I was very impressed by the vision and passion of the new head teacher, his staff team and the governors. The school site has many strengths but there are parts which need urgent attention. I am pleased to lend my support to the call for a thorough study to be made of the case for remodelling the site to make better use of the space and to provide modern facilities for the children".

A previous study has been undertaken which highlighted the need to tackle 'sub-standard' facilities, and the Council will be considering at its Cabinet meeting on 19th February whether or not to update that study preparatory to including the plans in the Council's capital programme for a later year.

Commenting, head teacher David Forrester said:

"I am immensely proud of this school and of its children and I believe we have great potential to do even better. We already provide a quality education but are sometimes held back by the inadequate buildings on part of the site. I hope that the Council will work with us to provide a school environment that actually supports children's learning".

The call for action was backed by chair of governors, Chris Moore, who said:

"Parts of the school premises have been in need of attention for many years. We maintain the premises as best we can, but we can't go on with 'make do and mend' indefinitely. We want to work with the whole community to ensure that our school can be updated so that it can go on providing high standards of education for many decades to come".