Clacks plan to build on educational progress

An education strategy aimed at closing the attainment gap in Clackmannanshire has been approved by the council.

December’s meeting of Clackmannanshire Council approved the Learning Estate Strategy (LES) 200192040, which is part of work aimed at ensuring children leave education skilled and well prepared for life, work and future learning.

The attainment gap is the difference in educational attainment between children living in poverty and those in more affluent areas.

Clackmannanshire’s LES aims to guide planning and investment with the aim of making schools and colleges an accessible and well maintained resource for all ages. Clackmannanshire Council’s education spokesman, Councillor Graham Lindsay said following the December meeting: “This strategy sets out our ambitious priorities for education in Clackmannanshire, as we build on our progress in closing the attainment gap.”

He added: “We’ve already delivered fantastic modern facilities including the impressive Tullibody South Campus, and we want to see that progress continue in Clackmannanshire.

“Our focus is on ensuring our young people have a rounded educational experience that prepares them for further education, training and the world of work.

“The provision of modern, flexible and inclusive facilities is a key part of that work, and this strategy will help guide us to talk to our communities and deliver those improvements.”

Key school estate projects in the LES include the refurbishment of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) unit at Alva campus/Primary and Nursery, Strathdevon Primary and Nursery and Menstrie Primary and Nursery. Clackmannanshire councillors were told by council education service manager Eileen Turnbull that Menstrie Primary School’s roll over the past 10 years has continued to increase and the school is now among one of the largest in Clackmannanshire.

She added: “The current refurbishment of the old nursery area will alleviate some of the immediate impacts of the increased roll. “However, future refurbishment will be required to the ancillary spaces.

“The refurbishment of the existing school requires to be planned within the next few years, together with a requirement to factor in phased work over periods during the summer.”