Call for firm dates on Ravenscraig schools Timeframe will make it easier for parents to plan ahead
North Lanarkshire Council has been urged to give a definitive timeframe for new primary schools on the Ravenscraig site.
Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig councillor Kenneth Duffy made the call this week so that parents can plan for their children’s future.
The council approved the start of a statutory consultation in February 2019 proposing to alter the existing catchment area within the Ravenscraig area and build denominational and nondenominational primary schools.
Pupil consultations, delivered online by NLC’s Education and Families Pedagogy Team, were held in September 2020 in the five primary schools impacted by the rezoning of catchment areas.
Councillor Duffy said: “We are three years on from the initial announcement which understandably excited parents.
“Those parents now have children on the verge of transitioning from nursery to primary school and we are no clearer on the timeframe for the build.
“North Lanarkshire Council should bring forward its plans and give a clear timescale so parents can plan for the future.
“The council s hould also simultaneously move to end the speculation on the proposed Rail Hub on the site, the community want new 21st century school buildings not industrial commerce.”
New houses in the Ravenscraig area, which are already complete, will be rezoned to the new catchment area.
Children will not be required to move to a new school against their wishes and will be able to remain in their current school.
In its conclusion, Education Scotland inspectors stated: “The proposal addresses school capacity and accommodation pressures as a result of planned housing developments in the Ravenscraig area.”
A North Lanarkshire Council spokesperson said that information is provided to the Education and Families Committee twice a year on update of all hub-related projects.