Consultation starts on schools expansion programme in Welwyn Hatfield...

(4th January 2011)

Hertfordshire County Council is about to start consultations on proposals to expand two schools in Welwyn Hatfield.

To meet the increasing demand for primary places across the area, a detailed feasibility exercise has been carried out to assess the capacity of schools capable of expansion.

The proposals in Welwyn Hatfield are to enlarge the premises of the following schools:

* Creswick Primary and Nursery, Welwyn Garden City - to provide the school with the capacity to admit an additional 30 reception children (one form of entry) each year from September 2011

* Oak View Primary and Nursery, Hatfield - to provide the school with the capacity to admit an additional 30 reception children (one form of entry) each year from September 2011

Richard Thake, Executive Member for Education and Skills, said: “In line with recent national trends we are now seeing a significant increase in the demand for reception class places in parts of Hertfordshire and this is forecast to increase further.

"There is a real demand from parents for more local school places for their children and we consider it vital to ensure that there are sufficient places available for very young children as near as possible to their homes.”

If the proposals go ahead the county council would work closely with schools to provide the additional accommodation needed and minimise the impact of any building works.

The six week public consultation begins on January 10, 2011, and comments must be received by February 21, 2011. The easiest way to put forward your views is by completing the online form which will be on the county council’s website www.hertsdirect.org/schoolplaces from January 10. If you do not have access to the internet, it is available free at Hertfordshire libraries, or alternatively call 01438 737350 to request a hard copy of the response form.

All comments received will be considered in a report to the Education Panel on March 15, and decisions will be made at the County Council’s Cabinet meeting on March 21.

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