CONSULTATION

3 July 2017

Dear Sir/Madam

Re: The Proposed Primary School Expansion Programme 2018-2020

Levels of demand for primary school places in are projected to increase. In order to ensure sufficient school places are available, the City of Wolverhampton Council has developed the Primary School Expansion Programme 2018-2020.

The Primary School Expansion Programme 2018-2020 proposes the expansion of three primary schools in the South East of the City as detailed below:

Type of School Ward Postcode Current PAN Proposed Expansion 2016/17 PAN wef September 2018 Permanent Loxdale Primary East WV14 0PH 30 60 and Relocation Permanent Spring Vale Spring Vale WV4 6SD 30 60 Primary Permanent Stowlawn WV14 6EH 30 60 Primary

The Reception admission limit of the schools would be increased from 30 to 60 in September 2018. The admission limit for subsequent years would also be 60 and the schools would grow over a seven year period to reach a total capacity of 420 in September 2024.

Please note that infant classes (i.e. Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) are not allowed to contain more than 30 pupils with a single school teacher (other than in limited exceptional circumstances). Please be assured that, should the proposed expansion be implemented, class sizes at the School would meet this requirement.

Loxdale Primary School

In order to facilitate the proposed expansion and due to current site constraints, Loxdale Primary School would need to relocate to a new site. Subject to approval of the proposal, the school would transfer onto the nearby Bilston Urban Village site and be rebuilt as a two form entry primary school. Please see the attached map showing the current location of

City of Wolverhampton Council Civic Centre St Peters Square WV1 1RL

Loxdale Primary School and the proposed site on Bilston Urban Village which is 0.41miles (straight line distance) from the existing school site.

Bilston Urban Village is a key development site for the City and has recently benefitted from the establishment of new amenities including the South Wolverhampton and Bilston Academy, the Bert Williams Leisure Centre and the construction of new homes. Ongoing developments on site include the new Marston’s family restaurant next to the leisure centre and anticipated significant investment in open space. In the short to medium term around 500 dwellings are expected to be built on the site and the proposal would support the needs of both existing and developing communities in the area. Transport and pedestrian access to the amenities on Bilston Urban Village including the proposed relocated Loxdale Primary School are also being reviewed.

It is envisaged that for the 2018/19 academic year the school would continue to be housed on the existing site, with a transfer to the new building on Bilston Urban Village anticipated in academic year 2019/20. All pupils attending Loxdale Primary School would transfer to the new site when building work is completed.

Spring Vale Primary School and Stowlawn Primary School

Subject to approval of the expansions of Spring Vale Primary School and Stowlawn Primary School the Council would ensure that sufficient accommodation on their existing sites would be available to support the increased number of places.

Decision Making Process:

Initial consultation on the proposed expansions of Loxdale Primary School, Spring Vale Primary School and Stowlawn Primary School commenced on 3 July 2017 and runs until 30 July 2017.

Following consideration of the outcome of this period of consultation, the Council will determine whether or not to proceed to a period of Formal Representation which offers stakeholders the opportunity to make formal comments or objections to the proposals. Should the Council decide to proceed to Formal Representation, a 4 week consultation period would commence in September 2017 with a final decision being made by the Council in November 2017.

Initial Consultation:

The Council welcomes any comments you may wish to make on the proposed individual school expansions. You can offer your opinions by completing the attached consultation response forms and returning them to the following address:

The School Organisation Team Education Department City of Wolverhampton Council 1st Floor, Civic Centre St Peter’s Square Wolverhampton WV1 1RL City of Wolverhampton Council Civic Centre St Peters Square WV1 1RL

or by completing the individual on-line surveys by visiting www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/consultation and clicking on the current consultation link and choosing  ‘Consultation on the Proposed Expansion of Loxdale Primary School’  ‘Consultation on the Proposed Expansion of Spring Vale Primary School’  ‘Consultation on the Proposed Expansion of Stowlawn Primary School’

Please note that the deadline for responses is 30 July 2017. All comments received will help the Council to make a decision on the proposed expansions.

Should you have any queries regarding this letter please do not hesitate to contact the School Organisation Team on 01902 555667 or 553286.

Yours sincerely

Tom Knott School Organisation Manager

City of Wolverhampton Council Civic Centre St Peters Square WV1 1RL