‘Risk’ of running out of space despite modular classrooms
Renfrewshire Council has conceded space could run out at Dargavel Primary School in August of next year – despite the planned introduction of six modular classrooms in the summer.
The potential scenario was outlined in a report to today’s education board, which admitted if high admission levels continue there is a“risk”the extra facilities may not provide“sufficient capacity”for all pupils in the catchment area at that point in 2024.
A contract for the Portakabin units – which are meant to have room for up to 198 pupils – was signed off in December at a cost of around £1.7 million, excluding VAT.
The step was taken after it emerged in November that the roll for the current school in Arrochar Drive, Bishopton, could rise to around 600 to 620 this August and further to between 685 and 705 the year after that.
However, an update paper has since said:“As members will be aware, the council is installing six new modular classrooms at the existing Dargavel Primary over the summer. This will create enough capacity for all pupils starting school in August 2023.
“If the current high level of admissions were to continue, there is a risk that the six additional classrooms will not provide sufficient capacity for all pupils living within the school catchment area for the following school year, beginning in August 2024.
“Given the footprint of the current school and grounds, and to ensure suitable outdoor space, it would not be possible to install any additional modular classrooms.
“In such a context, there would be no further flexibility in terms of the size of the existing school.
There is a risk that six additional classrooms will not provide sufficient capacity for pupils
“In a situation where demand for a school exceeds its capacity for catchment pupils, there would be a requirement to apply the council’s admissions policy, which provides clear guidance as to how an increased demand should be managed and what options are available to families requiring a school place.”
The admissions policy takes into account factors including whether a pupil has a sibling at the school or medical reasons that would make attending another school difficult.
Officers are considering options should capacity“breach”for the August 2024 intake, with a report due in May.