Primary schools update

While Glasgow was initially asked with all of Scotland's 32 councils to propose one school in each local authority for development last autumn, the city was eventually offered half the funding for three new schools from the Scottish Futures Trust, as mentioned in an earlier post.

This is an update I received today from the Council's Education Services:


Scottish Futures Trust - First Phase (Primary Schools Building Programme)

As you will be aware the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) is the independent company established by the Scottish Government to deliver public infrastructure investment.

Prioritising options within councils is challenging as many factors can be evaluated. Clear benefits in one proposal may not be as immediately clear in others; there are also objective and subjective elements involved in most selection processes. Glasgow City Council considered the following factors in relation to our proposals:

• Roll - this ensured that the number of children who would benefit from inclusion in the project was factored in;
• Occupancy/Efficiency - this was included in order that an appropriate weighting was given to operationally inefficient establishments, i.e. those with low occupancy rates;
• Condition of building - most of the establishments considered are of roughly equivalent condition; however, where there were measurable differences due cognisance was given;
• Suitability of site - this in effect considered the deliverability of the project i.e. timescale, site topography and cost.

In addition to this, there was further consideration of: maintenance backlog, mid-life upgrade cost and the Disability Discrimination Act e.g. accessibility adaptations and how readily achievable they would be.

After due consideration, the Council identified three new build replacement projects for inclusion in the first phase. The establishments involved were identified on the basis of their declining condition, large school rolls, and importance to community cohesion:

1. Garrowhill Primary School

2. Glendale Primary School, including a co-located Gaelic medium primary
The above two establishments have been identified for inclusion on the basis of suitability, sustainability, community cohesion and that in excess of 400 children for Garrowhill and around 300 children for Glendale would benefit.

3. St Brendan’s Primary School
Glasgow City Council has also committed to using SFT funding along with our own to create a campus which would consist of Garscadden Primary School, Yoker Primary School (including Thirlstane Day Nursery) and St Brendan’s Primary School (including Kelso Nursery). This proposal is to create one non-denominational and one denominational school on a shared site along with an early years centre. This will allow each school to develop its own unique identity and ethos while benefitting from the sharing of facilities such as recreation and leisure. This approach is in line with our School Estate Strategy and would have a significant impact on community cohesion and development. It is proposed that this new facility would be built on the St Brendan’s site.

The SFT have advised that funding is available between 2010/2014 for the above programmes:

• Garrowhill Primary School commences 2010/2011 and the council will receive a maximum funding contribution of £3,824,625.
• Glendale Primary School is anticipated to commence 2012/2013 and the council will receive a maximum funding contribution of £3,983,250.
• St Brendan’s Primary School is anticipated to commence 2013/2014 and the council will receive a maximum funding contribution of £2,796,500.

Terms and conditions apply to the grants, funding contributions will not exceed one half of the out-turn costs of the projects and the level of funding received will be adjusted to take account of any movements in inflation.

Some additional information:

• Garrowhill Primary School - current roll 413
• Glendale Primary School - current roll of 288
• Garscadden Primary School, Yoker Primary School (including Thirlstane Day Nursery) and St Brendan’s Primary School (including Kelso Nursery) - current rolls at Garscadden Primary School 195, Yoker Primary School 123 and St Brendan’s Primary School 193

The current position is that we are working on developing Project 1 (Garrowhill) including how to design/fund the Early Years aspect of it. The SFT process is unlike others whereby we are now developing designs and detailed costs after projects are approved in principle.

At this stage I would anticipate that papers will be presented to the Executive Committee for approval when we know what the final design/cost implications are. The onsite Development and Regeneration Services works at Garrowhill this Summer will inform this paper. The intention is to progress Project 1 (Garrowhill) and then move to Project 2 (Glendale) etc.

Staff and Parent Councils have been advised of the current position and will be kept advised of progress.