Cash boost for pupils' future (From Stroud News and Journal)

Cash boost for pupils' future

CHALFORD Hill Primary School is building for the future of its pupils thanks to a £1/4-million cash windfall.

The school is one of just 22 in Gloucestershire to receive county council cash for vital work.

The money will help modernise two existing classrooms and a cloakroom but will also create a much-needed outside play area for the reception class.

Headteacher Jim Bocock said: "It's fantastic for the school and I'm really pleased as I'm sure the parents will be too."

He said the play area, which will be accessible directly from the reception class, has been a top school priority for several years.

"When Ofsted inspectors visited in 2003 we were recognised as being a very good school but the key issue was that we needed this outside learning area for our infant classes," he said.

"We will be able to have children working outside and inside at the same time and still be supervised by the teacher and the classroom assistant."

The cash has been earmarked from the council's 2006/07 budget.

It is thought construction work at the school - which has 213 pupils - will start and finish during the summer holidays.

Minchinhampton Parochial School will also benefit from the cash handout.

It received £72,000 to help pay for similar work to that at Chalford Hill. "We are really pleased as we know many schools have facilities that are not as good as ours up here," said headteacher Rod Harris.

"The main thing is that the classrooms are bigger and better for the job they have to do.

"£30,000 of school money is also being added to help develop an outside educational area including play equipment, a pond and environmental area with trees and bushes."

Commenting on the scheme to boost county schools, Cllr Charles Gillams, lead cabinet member for resources, said: "This investment is not only in bricks and mortar but in the futures of our children and young people."