New block looks set to be developed at Strand on the Green

Much needed funding for new building at Strand on the Green School looks as if it has been secured. The Education Minister Alan Johnson has written to local MP Ann Keen confirming that a grant has been made to Hounslow Council for school building and it is believed the Chiswick school is the likely beneficiary.

At the moment children need to cross between two buildings to visit the block which contains the toilets. Jeanette Davies, the Headteacher at Strand-on-the-Green school said of the situation, “Despite being a high achieving school, the condition of the building remains a barrier to further progress and negatively impacts on the 'Every Child Matters' agenda.”

The education minister refers to discussions that Ann Keen has had on the issue with himself, his predecessor Ruth Kelly and Lord Adonis. He says that his department has been liaising with Hounslow Council over the last nine months about plans to replace the existing toilets.

On Monday 6th November the Government announced that they were to advance £375 million to local authorities to spend on school buildings in 2007-8 of which £2.3 million is to be given to Hounslow Council.

The Council had previously bid for funds for this project in 2005 but was unsuccessful. The grant given this year is big enough to address the specific issue of children having to move between buildings to go to the toilet or a more comprehensive rebuilding programme. This could include the construction of a new classroom block with disabled access for children and parents, IT facilities and toilets.

November 12, 2006