School expansion news
Updated November, 2013
On Monday 30th September 2013, the governing body agreed that subject to satisfactory closure of certain conditions, they would support expanding the school. The governing body remains positive about the proposals to expand, with certain conditions. In the meantime, Brent Council has agreed to fund all costs, with no liability to the school.
The expansion can only take place with a legally binding Development Agreement being signed by ALL parties – the Council, the London Diocesan Board for Schools which owns the school/ site, and the governing body. This will include a construction contract. It will also cover important conditions set out by the governing body that relate to issues at the heart of the discussion around whether or not to expand.
Applying for and obtaining planning permission can be a lengthy process. The governing body has therefore now agreed a formal version of the expansion plans that were shared at the consultation meetings before the summer holidays.
The governing body is continuing with the expansion proposals and planning in good faith, not least because it will not be possible to have answers to some of the important conditions until it is further into the process. The governing body will continue to review all comments and considerations that arise and these may influence any final decision.
Should the expansion go ahead, it is hoped that planning permission would be secured early in 2014 and that building would start soon afterwards with the most disruptive work taking place during the school holidays. We will continue to keep you updated as and when there is any significant news.
The governing body
The expansion can only take place with a legally binding Development Agreement being signed by ALL parties – the Council, the London Diocesan Board for Schools which owns the school/ site, and the governing body. This will include a construction contract. It will also cover important conditions set out by the governing body that relate to issues at the heart of the discussion around whether or not to expand.
Applying for and obtaining planning permission can be a lengthy process. The governing body has therefore now agreed a formal version of the expansion plans that were shared at the consultation meetings before the summer holidays.
The governing body is continuing with the expansion proposals and planning in good faith, not least because it will not be possible to have answers to some of the important conditions until it is further into the process. The governing body will continue to review all comments and considerations that arise and these may influence any final decision.
Should the expansion go ahead, it is hoped that planning permission would be secured early in 2014 and that building would start soon afterwards with the most disruptive work taking place during the school holidays. We will continue to keep you updated as and when there is any significant news.
The governing body
Haven't the governors already made up their mind?
No, absolutely not. The governors have not yet agreed to expand the school. The governing body have set a number of conditions which must be satisfactorily closed before we will go ahead.
- The process and planning to minimise disruption to the school should a build take place.
- Safe and well-managed access to the school both during and after construction.
- Options for a transport/ traffic plan (NB: it should be noted that the Highways Agency has most influence here and will be involved in considering the planning permission application).
- Clearly defined and controlled budgets.
- Clearer information regarding demand for school places in the area local to the school, not just the Borough.
- Key design elements incorporated into the plans that will not be negotiable.
How would the construction affect the children?
The health and safety of the children would be the paramount concern of the governing body if the expansion goes ahead. The contractor appointed would have prior experience of working on school sites. The highest standards of health and safety procedures would be adhered to.
How would construction affect your commute?
The governing body would stipulate that a suitable plan to manage disruption as a key element in any conditions to proceed with expansion. Until planning permission is granted and a contractor appointed, it is impossible to know exactly how people’s daily commute to school or local residents might be disrupted. However, every effort will be made to ensure minimum disruption for all.
When would the construction take place and for how long?
It is hoped that work would start in Spring 2014. Work is required on the existing school building and a new building. The construction would be managed in phases and the governors are looking at how this might be planned to minimise disruption. Until a constractor is appointed, it is impossible to say exactly how long the work would take but the governing body will share information on this as soon as it can, to parents and other stakeholders.
What are the benefits of expansion?
The existing school would be remodeled and extended. New facilities would be provided including:
- new library and ICT suite
- new dedicated year 6 library and multi-purpose space
- a new music and drama room
- improved security throughout the building
- better circulation around the existing school
- improved toilet provision for all children
It is a great opportunity to secure much needed funds for capital investment in the building.
- new library and ICT suite
- new dedicated year 6 library and multi-purpose space
- a new music and drama room
- improved security throughout the building
- better circulation around the existing school
- improved toilet provision for all children
It is a great opportunity to secure much needed funds for capital investment in the building.
What would the school look like if it expanded?
Key features of the plans include:
- A Nursery/ Y6 in a separate block with a roof top multi-use games area
- A hall large enough for the whole school
- Demolition of the existing 1960s halls/entrance and kitchen block and addition of a new entrance and offices, taking up a much smaller area.
Click here for more drawings
What is the local demand for school places?
Many children in Brent did not secure a Reception place in September 2013. The governing body is considering detailed information about the need for places in our immediate locality. They are also analysing internal data relating to applications to Princess Frederica from parents within the catchment area. You might be interested in this article on the primary place shortage.
Would there be enough space on the playgrounds?
We have a confined site. The space per pupil is important, but it is also important to consider how the space is used efficiently and effectively on a school site. Current thinking about the design indicate that there would be no increase in children on the Reception playground, two extra classes on the Key Stage 2 playground and two extra classes on the recently extended Key Stage 1 playground. At least two classes would be able to play on rooftop play space. We know we are on a confined site. The key point that the governing body is looking into is whether there is sufficient space for the school to work well. To do this governors are talking to and visiting other schools in London that work on sites that are even smaller than ours. Some of the schools that they are talking to have also undertaken major construction projects recently and the governors and leadership team will be looking to learn from their experiences.
Would a rooftop playground be safe?
Many schools use roof space for play and the rooftop playground and science terrace would be safe and appropriate for their planned use. The governing body is aware of concerns regarding accessing the roof space and will consider these as it looks at how the school might work best after expansion
How would expansion affect Kenzalia and Art week?
Kenzalia and special event weeks e.g. art week would continue to run during expansion.
