Postby Annabel (admin) » Fri Apr 19, 2013 12:30 pm
Hi,
I was given this too... but will ask your question directly:
'The total number of applications for a reception place in one of our primary schools rose by just under four per cent on the previous year with the biggest increases in Battersea’s Northcote ward and Putney’s Thamesfield ward. In total 3,088 applications were received, an extra 114 children compared to the previous year.
The attached press release (see below) from a few days ago gives a bit more background to the overall picture which is of continuing pressure on school numbers and the need for us to carry on providing more classrooms across the borough in the years leading up to 2020'
Press release:
STARTS
More school places needed to meet rising birth rate
Councillors will be told this week that the borough needs around 24 additional classes by September 2020 otherwise there may not be enough school places for local children.
According to the latest population figures published by the Greater London Authority there needs to be a massive expansion in school places over the remainder of the decade if the council is to keep pace with the rapidly expanding school-age population.
The GLA data shows that the birth rate in Wandsworth rose from 4,359 in 2003 to 5,477 in 2011 and is projected to continue growing rapidly in the years ahead.
In order to start meeting that demand for extra places, a public consultation on expansion proposals to add seven extra classes at local schools is about to commence.
These extra classes are on top of the eight new classes that will be opening in September at the start of the forthcoming academic year, which includes those being provided at the borough’s three new free schools that are opening this summer.
These are a two form entry school at the new Tooting Primary in Franciscan Road, sponsored by Graveney School, another two form entry at Rutherford House School in the former Balham Youth Court building, and a single form entry school at the South London Jewish Primary School, which will be opening temporarily at a local synagogue ahead of finding a permanent site.
Further proposals for yet more places could be brought forward later this year.
Wandsworth’s cabinet member for children’s services Cllr Kathy Tracey said: “Finding room for all the extra places we need is a real challenge.”
“The three new free schools will make a huge difference, taking the pressure off places elsewhere and giving parents new choices.
“Informal discussions with the head teachers and governors of some of our best schools have been very helpful and we will have firm proposals shortly that we will open up for local families to comment on.
“The borough’s schools are not only under pressure because of the high birth rate, but also as a result of their success. With ninety three per cent of Wandsworth schools now rated good or outstanding their reputation goes before them in attracting a high level of applications.”
(cont)
Detailed analysis of varying levels of demand for places and local options for school expansion is being finalised by the council as a basis for its proposals.
It shows particular pressures in Furzedown, Tooting, Graveney, Earlsfield, Wandsworth Common, Northcote, Balham, Southfields, West Hill, East Putney, Thamesfield, West Putney and Roehampton wards.
Councillors on the education and children’s services overview and scrutiny committee will discuss the growing birth rate and how the council is planning to meet its statutory duty to provide sufficient numbers of school places when they meet at the town hall on April 18.
ENDS
