City school could be cited for relocation
Council officials to determine building’s future
A city centre primary school could end up being relocated after it was given the lowest suitability rating of any school building in the Stirling area.
Despite two years of investment and refurbishment work by Stirling Council, Allan’s Primary School has been given a ‘D’ rating because of the constraints of the site and the building in Spittal Street.
Now council officials say it is time to look at whether or not a new site needs to be found for the school, which dates back to 1889 and was also refurbished in 1991.
While the ratings system does not reflect the quality of education and teaching at schools, learning environment is seen as an important component.
In a report approved by chief education officer Kevin Kelman and due before the council’s children and young people committee tomorrow (Thursday), officers outline initial work on a 10-year investment plan for the area’s schools and nurseries.
While several are highlighted as needing input, Allan’s is raised as a priority.
The report adds: “Allan’s Primary School, a previous priority due to being in poor condition, has been subject to two years of capital investment, including works to upgrade and replace the roof, internal toilet refurbishment and boiler replacement.
“The investment has increased the condition rating to 72 per cent, however the school remains a priority due to the suitability of the site. The suitability assessment deemed the school a D rating due to the lack of outdoor space, small classroom sizes and lack of social spaces.
“Allan’s PS will be subject to an option appraisal to determine its future provision and location. A strategic case will be delivered to support major investment required to increase the suitability of the school.”
Condition ratings for the buildings themselves are calculated using reports undertaken by buildings surveyors.
Considerations can include the urgency of any repairs, potential shortcomings to the overall delivery of the school, functionality and service provision, and legal safety requirements.
Under old assessment criteria, while Allan’s Primary was still considered a priority, all local authority educational establishments in the Stirling Council area were either an A or B rating.
Under recently introduced thresholds, however, 25 per cent are said to be in a good condition (A rating). Of 68 per cent deemed satisfactory (B), some were said to still have “significant defects”, with eighteen establishments classed as a “low B”.
Two - Callander Nursery and the specialist behavioural support provision at Chartershall at Fallin - are now rated C.
All facilities built under the PPP programme are said to be in the “top condition rating”.
However, suitability ratings are partly based on assessments carried out by headteachers.
The report adds: “There are a number of buildings that currently do not fully support the delivery of the modern curriculum, primarly due to deficiencies in physical internal layout and external spaces.
“Five properties have been assessed and rated at C - Callander Nursery, Aberfoyle PS and Nursery, St Mary’s PS in Dunblane, Callander PS and Croftamie Nursery.
“Allan’s Primary School has been rated a D.”
Allan’s PS will be subject to an opinion appraisal to determine its future provision and location