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Investment of £18 million to refurbish classrooms and expand schools

Schools in Staffordshire are set to benefit from £18 million of funding to refurbish classrooms.

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The cash has been released to ensure they can provide the best environments for learning and cope with any future demand for places.

In plans to be discussed by Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet on Wednesday, scores of primary and secondary schools will benefit from extra money to carry out refurbishments.

The money will be allocated to improve classrooms, outdoor spaces and expand selected schools over the next year.

Money will also be spent on helping schools reduce their carbon footprint, by installing LED lights and replacing old, expensive heating systems.

Funding will come from government grants and contributions from schools, developers and others.

Jonathan Price, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “It is essential children and young people in the county have access to a good, local school.

“Every child in Staffordshire deserves the best possible education, and to leave school or college with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace or further education.

"Added to this, it is widely recognised the quality of school buildings can help or hinder learning and teaching.

“Our capital programme for the next year is designed to ensure we make the most of the funding we have, and work with schools to improve school infrastructure.

"This way, we can ensure the county’s children are learning in the best environment possible.”

The council has also received £2.2m from the Department of Education to deliver a Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme at Easter, summer and Christmas, supporting children and their families