Plans for the merger of two Arbroath primary schools on a new site, have been put under the microscope by inspectors.
At present the two schools combined are operating at only 62% capacity in terms of pupils numbers, and the new building will have room for 500 children.
The option of investing in the already dilapidated facilities was described in the consultation report as “throwing good money after bad.”
The £8m allocated to this phase of the Arbroath schools project is available within the council’s financial plan and will not impact any other budget area.
The roll of the new school at opening in August 2013, will be around 413 well within the capacity of a standard two-stream primary school.
There is likely to be natural staff movement between now and the school opening date, and the majority of current employees will move to the new building.
It is council policy to make efforts to transfer any remaining employees to other schools in Arbroath
In conclusion, the HMIE report stated the new school “should have a positive impact on children’s educational experiences” and that the project was a “sensible and positive solution” to managing falling school rolls.
However, inspectors also found that the council has yet to explain how learning will improve as a result of the proposal, particularly in relation to the building design and the increase in pupil numbers.
It was reported that the school buildings, which date from the late 1960s or early 1970s are in a “declining physical state” and opportunities to bring them up to an acceptable standard are “not viable.”
In the council’s own assessment it was noted, “The need to respond thoughtfully and reassuringly to parental concerns about arrangements to cross the Westway is absolutely understood.
“It is clear from the consultation feedback that the single most important issue for the council to address is the development of a number of safe pupil routes.”
If councillors pass the proposal it will go to Holyrood to be considered, before it is either implemented or rejected.
The consultation report will now go forward to the education committee on Thursday before a decision is taken at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday, June 22.
Education convener Peter Nield said, “The aim of the proposal to merge Timmergreens and Muirfield primary schools is to address the declining physical condition of the existing school buildings and to provide pupils and staff with facilities fit for modern educational requirements.
“This proposal has been the subject of extensive consultation since March 2009, and I would like to thank all those who have taken the time to consider the proposals the input of parents and the wider community has been most valuable.”
The report can be viewed online via the council’s website at www.angus.gov.uk/arbroathschoolsproject.
A report released by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) painted a mixed picture of Angus Council’s proposal to replace Timmergreens and Muirfield primaries, with a 500-pupil building in the west of the town.
The document supplemented a wider publication from the local authority, also published on Monday, which covers the entire consultation process.
HMIE found that parents had genuine safety concerns over children having to cross the busy Westway to get to the new school beside Hospitalfield House, and that some staff feel the educational benefits of the proposal have not been “set out sufficiently clearly.”
The Parent Council of Timmergreens Primary School is generally in favour of the proposal, but has expressed a range of concerns on traffic management and road safety.
There is “significant opposition” from parents and carers of children attending Muirfield Primary School, including those linked with Muirfield Action Group, who carried out an independent survey into the move.
The author of the council’s consultation report acknowledged the survey had taken place, but claimed that due to a lack of names and addresses there could be “no certainty” about the source of the responses or the identity of respondents.
Most school staff acknowledged the benefits of working in a modern purpose-built environment and welcomed opportunities to work with new colleagues.
The children themselves had no clear preference but came up with a range of imaginative and interesting views about what a new school should provide.
The council’s consultation process began on February 16 and concluded on April 1, attracting 57 written representations, including some objections.
Between 40 and 80 primary-aged pupils, who have enrolled at either Muirfield or Timmergreens as a result of successful placing requests, already cross the Westway on a daily basis.
That would rise to around 150 if the new site were to be given approval.Crossing patrollerA school crossing patroller would be located at Arbirlot Road and at the Westway crossroads and the existing underpass near the proposed site would be enhanced.
Other road safety measures that could be deployed, include a reduced speed limit, a light controlled crossing, safety barriers and new signage.
The council’s own consultation feedback has shown that there is “considerable anxiety” within the community on the issue of safety, however assurances have been given that all measures possible will be taken.
A transport assessment to analyse traffic flow will be carried out, a pedestrian access strategy will be drawn up and a detailed school travel plan will be put together.
In addition to safety, other points raised included claims the classrooms would be too small, concerns that the initial phases of the consultation process had not been well advertised and worries there would only be one gym hall and one computer suite.
As well as a staff car park the new school would have a dedicated drop-off/pick-up area for parents.
The site would include a purpose-built nursery and provision for nursery children with additional support needs who attend Muirfield.
Hospitalfield was selected as the most appropriate of four areas outlined for consideration, using a set list of criteria bringing in educational, legal, planning and technical aspects.
Feedback from the council’s consultation revealed that building a new school would provide “best value” when compared to other mooted alternatives such as refurbishing Timmergreens and Muirfield or dividing the money between all 10 of the town’s primary schools.