Primary school £1.5 million expansion plans
Plans have been revealed for a £1.5 million project to extend a popular village school to cope with its growing pupil numbers.
The project could see Malpas Alport Endowed Primary School, near Whitchurch, expand its capacity by almost a third from 210 places to 315 places from September 2018.
The changes would see the creation of additional classrooms, as well as extending the school hall, with a budget set at £1.51 million.
A proposal published by Cheshire West and Chester Council revealed how the school is over-subscribed in five out of its seven year groups and a shortfall in all year groups is predicted in the future.
It states: "It is proposed that the school is permanently enlarged, adding a total of 105 places, increasing the published admission number of the school from 30 to 45 for reception year entry September 2018 from which date it is proposed up to 45 pupils might be admitted into each year group.
"The school would be provided with additional classrooms to accommodate the expansion. It is proposed that additional accommodation be provided to ensure an adequate infrastructure for the increased numbers, it is proposed that this will include an extension to the existing hall.
"The school is currently over-subscribed in five out of seven of its year groups.
"A future shortfall of places in all seven year groups is forecast.
"The creation of additional places will enable more children to attend the school of their parent’s preference.
"In order to meet community needs the school is currently operating with classes of up to 41 pupils.
"The school and the council consider such class sizes to be detrimental to the ability to sustain education of the quality that the school currently provides and the standard that the school aspires to achieve.
"Implementation of the proposal will enable the school to progressively move towards organising learning around a class size of 30 pupils.
"The total budget for the project is currently set at £1.51m, this includes the cost of purchasing ‘School House’ to provide an additional footprint for development and additional outdoor space.
"Appropriate funding has been identified within the Education Funding Agency Basic Needs funded element of Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council’s capital programme.
"Building works will be procured through a process of competitive tender."
The expansion was first put to parents in 2015 and followed by two consultations, the second of which concluded in February.
The latest consultation ends on Monday, May 15, and is available at www.cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk/malpasprimaryconsultation
