Primary Capital Programme (PCP)
What is the PCP?
Where are we now and what happens next?
What does the PCP mean for Bolton’s primary schools?
Which primary schools will be affected?
How can I have my say during the PCP consultation? (14 Sep to 23 Oct 09)
The Primary Capital Programme (PCP) is a government plan that aims to bring primary schools across the country up to modern standards. Bolton’s £80 million funding from the programme will be used to refurbish and rebuild around half of our primary schools over the next thirteen years. It will also allow us to create additional pupil places to meet Bolton’s growth in population, meaning that a higher proportion of pupils will secure a place at their preferred school.
To develop our initial proposals for phase one we have consulted primary school headteachers, governors, trade union and Diocesan representatives. We will now work with parents, pupils, school staff, members of the community and other interested parties to keep everyone up to date and where possible build their views into our plans for the town.
The PCP consultation will take place from 14 September to 23 October 2009. All comments received will be considered by the council prior to making final decisions about proceeding with proposals. Where certain changes to a school are proposed, a legal representation process is then required by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) which involves the publication of statutory proposals.
If required, statutory proposals relating to the proposed changes would be published in November and a further period will be required to allow people to express their views. Finally the statutory proposals and all representations received will be considered by the council in reaching their decision. Building and refurbishment work will begin towards the end of 2009.
Receiving this funding is a great boost for Bolton and an important investment in the education of the town’s children and young people. We have developed a Strategy for Change, setting out the council’s vision and aims for how PCP funding will be used in Bolton.
A summary of these are:
- To have a successful primary school at the heart of each community
- For each primary school to be both educationally and financially viable
- For every child in every school to make at least expected levels of progress
- To have an education system which is inclusive for all our children with a range of provision to meet individual needs
- For every primary school to effectively promote healthy lifestyles, good citizenship and environmental awareness
- For every family to be able to access the wider services they need
- To meet the needs of the learner through personalised learning
The programme will be delivered in phases and those that will be affected in phase one over the next two to three years are listed below. If your child’s school is not listed here then it may be included in a later phase taking into account all local needs and available resources. We will consult again on proposals for other phases later in the programme.
Primary Capital Programme: Phase One Schools
| Bishop Bridgeman CEP |
SS Simon and Jude’s CEP |
| Church Road CP |
St Bernard’s RCP |
| Clarendon CP |
St Columba’s RCP |
| Harwood Meadows CP |
St George’s CEP |
| Haslam Park CP |
St Matthew Bolton CEP |
| Ladybridge CP |
St Michael’s CEP |
| Leverhulme CP |
St Thomas of Canterbury RCP |
| Markland Hill CP |
The Gates CP |
| Pikes Lane CP |
Washacre CP |
| Sacred Heart RCP |
Detailed proposals are explained in our PCP Consultation Document which is available to view and download here to everyone interested in the programme. The document contains a response form that you can send back to us to tell us your views. Alternatively you can ask to see a copy of the document at your child’s school, your local library or council offices. You can also get in touch with us on 01204 332244 or by email to susan.sollazzi@bolton.gov.uk.
All children attending Bolton primary schools have been given a letter to take home to let parents and carers know about the consultation. The following drop-in sessions have been arranged to give you the opportunity to ask questions and make your views known. Everyone is welcome to these events and may drop in at any time from 2.30pm to 6.00pm at any of the venues.
Friday 18 Sep
SS Simon & Jude’s CE Primary School,
Newport Road, Bolton
Monday 21 Sep
The Gates Community Primary School,
Bristle Hall Way, Westhoughton, Bolton
Tuesday 22 Sep
St Matthew’s (Bolton) CE Primary School,
Kentford Road, Bolton
All comments must be received by 23 October 2009.