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School buildings in 'deplorable' state, head teacher claims School buildings in 'deplorable' state, head teacher claims
(about 2 hours later)
A generation of school buildings have leaking roofs, poor windows and cold cramped classrooms, said a head teacher who has accused the Welsh government of not doing enough to address it.A generation of school buildings have leaking roofs, poor windows and cold cramped classrooms, said a head teacher who has accused the Welsh government of not doing enough to address it.
Jon Wilson said he has asked for 13 years for "deplorable" buildings at his own school in Newport to be revamped.Jon Wilson said he has asked for 13 years for "deplorable" buildings at his own school in Newport to be revamped.
The Welsh government said it has invested £1.4bn across Wales.The Welsh government said it has invested £1.4bn across Wales.
But Dr Philip Dixon of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers said double that figure is needed.But Dr Philip Dixon of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers said double that figure is needed.
Mr Wilson, from Duffryn High School, said the Welsh government's investment under the 21st Century Schools programme "hasn't worked" for his school.Mr Wilson, from Duffryn High School, said the Welsh government's investment under the 21st Century Schools programme "hasn't worked" for his school.
He claimed it has been poorly executed across the country.He claimed it has been poorly executed across the country.
"I think there's a whole generation of schools and education out there that are very very close to that picture," he said."I think there's a whole generation of schools and education out there that are very very close to that picture," he said.
"Like many things in Wales, [21st Century Schools programme] good in concept, relatively poor in execution; just not enough of it going on to produce the facilities that our children deserve.""Like many things in Wales, [21st Century Schools programme] good in concept, relatively poor in execution; just not enough of it going on to produce the facilities that our children deserve."
He added: "I've been to see some fabulous new schools around Wales, but there's all too few of them.He added: "I've been to see some fabulous new schools around Wales, but there's all too few of them.
"I think the reality is closer to where we are with our deplorable buildings, than to the very, very small number of new schools.""I think the reality is closer to where we are with our deplorable buildings, than to the very, very small number of new schools."
Dr Dixon said the situation in Duffryn is "not unique" and said there were conditions around Wales that "the Victorians would be appalled with".Dr Dixon said the situation in Duffryn is "not unique" and said there were conditions around Wales that "the Victorians would be appalled with".
Speaking to BBC Radio Wales' Good Morning Wales programme, he said in the early years of devolution, the Welsh government had "chronically under spent" and now "the chickens are coming home to roost".Speaking to BBC Radio Wales' Good Morning Wales programme, he said in the early years of devolution, the Welsh government had "chronically under spent" and now "the chickens are coming home to roost".
Dr Dixon called on the Welsh government and local authorities to stop playing "ping pong" over who is to blame and said double the £1.4bn needs to be spent, with some schools "pulled down" and work starting again.Dr Dixon called on the Welsh government and local authorities to stop playing "ping pong" over who is to blame and said double the £1.4bn needs to be spent, with some schools "pulled down" and work starting again.
Owen Hathway, Wales policy officer for the National Union of Teachers, said despite "difficult times" for public funding, school buildings were in "dire need of an overhaul".
"The standard of schools and classrooms many children are taught in is simply not up to scratch and is having a profound impact on standards," he said.
'Ambitious programme''Ambitious programme'
Duffryn High was due to be upgraded as part of a deal that would have seen a new Welsh medium school share the site, but the plan was rejected over fears it may flood.Duffryn High was due to be upgraded as part of a deal that would have seen a new Welsh medium school share the site, but the plan was rejected over fears it may flood.
The school has had to abandon two classrooms because of cold and damp.The school has had to abandon two classrooms because of cold and damp.
Newport council has admitted "urgent" work is required but cuts have made it difficult for it to be carried out.Newport council has admitted "urgent" work is required but cuts have made it difficult for it to be carried out.
In 2010, the Auditor General for Wales said there was a long way to go before all school buildings in Wales were "fit for purpose".In 2010, the Auditor General for Wales said there was a long way to go before all school buildings in Wales were "fit for purpose".
A year later, the Welsh government announced the 21st Century Schools programme aimed at improving school buildings across the country.A year later, the Welsh government announced the 21st Century Schools programme aimed at improving school buildings across the country.
It said 25 projects have been completed, with 46 under construction and 96 approved as part of the £1.4bn investment.It said 25 projects have been completed, with 46 under construction and 96 approved as part of the £1.4bn investment.
A spokesman added: "It represents the most ambitious programme of school building replacement and improvement since the 1960s.A spokesman added: "It represents the most ambitious programme of school building replacement and improvement since the 1960s.
"It is delivered in partnership with local authorities and others, and it is our partners that prioritise the projects that need to be delivered.""It is delivered in partnership with local authorities and others, and it is our partners that prioritise the projects that need to be delivered."
Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said it was wrong that children were "forced to endure almost Dickensian conditions in their seats of learning".Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said it was wrong that children were "forced to endure almost Dickensian conditions in their seats of learning".
She said her party's plan for a National Infrastructure Commission would "transform" the nation's schools, hospitals, roads and railways by spending the money needed to upgrade them.She said her party's plan for a National Infrastructure Commission would "transform" the nation's schools, hospitals, roads and railways by spending the money needed to upgrade them.