Education councillors agree to cap three Angus primaries

Councillors have approved roll capping measures to alleviate “considerable pressure” on a number of Angus schools.

Timmergreens, Whitehills and Woodlands primaries will all have limits imposed in an effort to bring down pupil numbers and halt the use of general purpose rooms as classrooms.

The decision was taken after the projected rolls for 2018-19 were revealed at a meeting of the council’s children and learning committee.

Timmergreens Primary in Arbroath has a maximum capacity of 261 for 2018-19 but will be capped at 210.

Woodlands Primary in Carnoustie has a maximum capacity of 247 for 2018-19 but will also be capped at 210.

Whitehills Primary in Forfar has a capacity of 522 for 2018-19 but will be capped at 420.

Any placing requests for children from outwith the catchment area who have no siblings in the schools will be refused.

Councillors also agreed to remove a cap at Warddykes Primary in Arbroath next term.

Angus Council strategic director Mark Armstrong said: “A small number of Angus schools are under considerable pressure for space, due to high rolls.

“Each primary school’s capacity has been assessed on its design, core facilities and the effective delivery of the 21st Century curriculum.

“There are occasions where some of our schools are using general purpose rooms as classrooms.

“In establishing whether a cap should be set we will be working towards the working capacity, using only classrooms.

“When a school roll reaches 90% of the working capacity, an in-depth analysis of the roll and roll projection is undertaken.”