As part of the planning process for new housing developments, a builder is required to contribute towards the infrastructure costs required to support their projects. This could include finance for new roads, healthcare facilities or schools.
Arising from the recent Preston Regeneration Project, particularly The London Square development on the old De Burgh School site, a sum of over three quarters of a million pounds has recently been awarded to two local schools. Epsom Down Primary School has been allocated £365,701 and The Beacon School £402,414.
Epsom Downs Primary is planning to use this money to extend its Special Educational Needs service. This school already has a reputation for its approach to children with special needs. Head teacher Anya Salisbury said “Our school provides a culture where every individual is respected and valued. We offer an inclusive curriculum to ensure the best possible progress for all children, whatever their needs or abilities.”
The school already has expertise in helping children with special educational or disability needs. But Anya believes that by involving such children in mainstream school life, the benefits are immense. She said, “This not only helps such pupils to take an active part in the school community but provides them with life skills that would not be available in a special school. It also encourages all our pupils to have empathy and understanding for those with special needs.”
Anya is very exited about this significant investment allocated to the school. But, she said, “Before plans are finalised, we will be consulting with our parents and the local community to ensure our proposals fully meet the needs of the community.” There will be a six-week consultative period probably starting in September after which plans will be drawn up with a hope to launch the expanded special needs facility in late 2023.
The Beacon plans to use its share of the award to improve sports facilities at the school. Head teacher Keith Batchelor specialised in sport earlier in his teaching career and is very keen to improve the Beacon’s facilities. He said “At the Beacon the standard of sport is exceptionally high, but the facilities are not. Our goal is a new sports hall, and this grant will be a major step in reaching this objective.”
The total cost is likely to run into millions, but Keith is confident that this initial funding will be the catalyst for a fund-raising process that will meet the school’s goal.
Keith is keen to build closer links with the local community and believes that this new sports hall will also become an asset that can be shared with the community.