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Primary schools in major rebuild Primary schools in major rebuild
(about 4 hours later)
Hundreds of primary schools in England are to be rebuilt, after the government approved building plans worth £1.75bn.Hundreds of primary schools in England are to be rebuilt, after the government approved building plans worth £1.75bn.
Over 1,500 rebuilding or refurbishment projects will begin across 133 local authorities over the next two years.Over 1,500 rebuilding or refurbishment projects will begin across 133 local authorities over the next two years.
The remaining 15 local councils in England will be offered advice on how to bring their plans up to speed.The remaining 15 local councils in England will be offered advice on how to bring their plans up to speed.
The projects are part of the Primary Capital Programme, which is investing £7bn to rebuild or refurbish half of all primary schools by 2022-23.The projects are part of the Primary Capital Programme, which is investing £7bn to rebuild or refurbish half of all primary schools by 2022-23.
Local education authorities were invited to submit their plans for primary school rebuilds and refurbishments to the Department for Children, Schools and Families for ministers' approval.Local education authorities were invited to submit their plans for primary school rebuilds and refurbishments to the Department for Children, Schools and Families for ministers' approval.
Ministers approved the proposals of 133 authorities, with money being released for building work to begin.Ministers approved the proposals of 133 authorities, with money being released for building work to begin.
The remaining 15 authorities will be supported in the revision of their plans so that money can be released by April 2009.The remaining 15 authorities will be supported in the revision of their plans so that money can be released by April 2009.
Details of which authorities' plans have been approved will be announced on Wednesday.Details of which authorities' plans have been approved will be announced on Wednesday.
'Once-in-a-generation chance''Once-in-a-generation chance'
Schools Secretary Ed Balls said: "This is a once-in-a-generation chance to transform primary education in every part of the country - to sweep away buildings now reaching the end of their shelf-life and drive up the quality of our schools.Schools Secretary Ed Balls said: "This is a once-in-a-generation chance to transform primary education in every part of the country - to sweep away buildings now reaching the end of their shelf-life and drive up the quality of our schools.
"Today's announcement means we can build state-of-the-art primary schools at the heart of our communities - so every child and family has access to year-round extended childcare, parenting support, after-schools activities and access to ICT, sports and arts facilities."Today's announcement means we can build state-of-the-art primary schools at the heart of our communities - so every child and family has access to year-round extended childcare, parenting support, after-schools activities and access to ICT, sports and arts facilities.
"Such a massive capital funding injection will have big spin-off benefits for the construction industry and local businesses, who will be crucial to fitting out the new and refurbished schools.""Such a massive capital funding injection will have big spin-off benefits for the construction industry and local businesses, who will be crucial to fitting out the new and refurbished schools."
Ian Fordham, deputy chief executive of the British Council for School Environments, said: "Primary schools are absolutely key to children's development, so this is a good use of our resources - our school buildings do make a difference to how well children learn and behave.
"The key now is to ensure this money is well spent in a common sense way. It must compliment other broader educational agendas such as the children's plan, and the general health and well being of young people, to ensure a long term legacy for our children and our communities."