Primaries get £16m for revamp schemes

Primary schools in Staffordshire will receive a £16 million cash injection over two years as part of the latest announcement of Government funding to refurbish schools.

Stafford MP David Kidney has welcomed the announcement which will mean schools across the area will get cash to invest in new buildings and better facilities. The Primary Capital Programme commits to renewing at least half of all primary school buildings by 2022-23. Staffordshire and its schools will benefit from additional investment of £16.01m over the two-year period of 2009-11.

This equates to £6.82m in 2009-10 and £9.4m for 2010-11.

Mr Kidney said the extra investment was extremely valuable. He said: "Teaching quality and a willingness to learn are perhaps the most important factors in ensuring that all children get a good education.

"But without doubt the learning environment is also important. Today standards are already much higher.

"We can see the difference with our own eyes when we visit schools. However, it is vital that we sustain these improvements and carry on refurbishing and re-building schools."

The money comes after a plan drawn up by the county council which has satisfied the Government that it has a strategic plan setting out how the capital investment approved will be used to meet national and local priorities.

Following assessment of the strategic plans last November, Staffordshire's strategy was "approved subject to modification" and the 2009-10 funding was rubber stamped.

David Kidney added: "The authority's revised strategy has now been fully approved with funding for 2010-11 also confirmed."