Concerns over schools' plan
PLANS to prioritize Maidenhead schools, over those in Windsor, to receive a multi-million pound boost have been questioned by a long-standing headteacher.
Jeff Dawkins, of Windsor Boys', has expressed concern over the Royal Borough's decision to give priority to secondary schools in Maidenhead for funding from Building Schools for the Future (BSF), a national secondary school renewal programme.
Five schools in Maidenhead stand to get their share of £180m in government funding for new buildings in the next five to 10 years, as the council claims Maidenhead has been identified as 'having the greatest need'. Schools in Windsor, Ascot, Datchet and Wraysbury would receive their share in a second wave.
Mr Dawkins said: "I would like a clear explanation about how this decision has come about and if it makes sense then I would welcome it. But I don't buy that all the schools with the most need just happen to be in the same area.
"One of the Maidenhead schools is 20-years-old and it could be rebuilt before mine which is 100-years-old. There should be a peking order of all nine schools in order of the state and need of their buildings, not a blanket policy on a certain area. It doesn't matter where they are and the borough shouldn't just decide to do all the Maidenhead schools first when other schools in Windsor are in need too."
In a cabinet report, the schools identified with the greatest needs were Desborough, Altwood CE and Newlands Girls' in Maidenhead and Windsor Boys' and Windsor Girls' in Windsor. The borough has put in a bid for the cash and will hear next year if it has been successful.
Cliff Turner, director of children's services: "Members felt that the area that it would be possible to advance the most quickly and which also has the most need with regard to physical condition of buildings and their suitability for delivery of the curriculum was Maidenhead.
"Additionally, Maidenhead most closely fits the DCSF criteria for the borough's 'initial project' in that a project there would prioritise educational and social need. All parts of the borough will, of course, eventually benefit from the BSF programme."
A consultation is being held until January 16 on the BSF programme. For more information call 01628 796572, email bsf@rbwm.gov.uk or visiting www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/ed_bsf.htm