We are told that a refurb for us is pretty much impossible by the EFA because contractors dont like doing them. Of course a contractor wont want to do something that will make them less money or be more difficult, but that cant be a sensible reason for not doing what is best. The EFA themselves said they thought a refurb was cheaper so it seems crazy that they are happy to waste our money as taxpayers getting something more expensive just because it will make the contractor happy. At the meeting with Mel Stride, James MacInnes said that he had spoken to the EFA about the lack of communication and consultation they were offering. When I spoke to him after the meeting, he also said that this was a problem faced by a number of schools in Devon and indeed in one case the EFA didnt even bother to visit before setting out their plans. He mentioned Totnes to me and I now see that The Grove School is in the PSBP scheme. If you have a look at their website you will see that they ARE being offered a refurb so it is possible to do so within the scheme. In response to Richards post earlier today Im completely with him on the need for us to pull together. Where I differ is on the need to accept what we are told by the EFA and the contractors. The Governors have asked for a choice so it is not about knocking them. As a group (Governors, parents and others in the community) we should engage and make this decision together (how about a vote so we actually know what support there is for a proper refurb or a rebuild?) and then together apply the pressure necessary to get that result. We should not be afraid to talk together about it - it is not about attacking the Governors or being on one side or another, but about having an open discussion and making the right decision for us all. I suspect from the general posts here that if the question was asked as to whether people would prefer a full and proper refurb (ie not just patch up the current problems with the school) or a new school the majority would go for a refurb. This is why I would prefer a refurb: 1) It will potentially be larger than the current school (and hence than a rebuild) - see the suggestion from the Governors as to how a refurb could look at para 2.3 of the SSB. The new hall at the front would have to meet current size criteria. In addition we would have the central courtyard turned into useable space. 2) It will be in the right location - please see para 2.2.1 of the SSB. 3) The information I have seen (and OK it may be slightly biased) is that the funding available is nowhere near enough to produce a decent school that will stand the test of time - we are not doing this to get a school for 10 years but we are told it is for 50 or 60 years so our decision affects our grandchildren or great grand children. Moretonhampstead school for example cost significantly more (and I believe already has quite a few issues). However, that same funding has the potential to produce something truly stunning in a rebuild. 4) It would be better for the environment than removing the existing school and sending it to landfill. We are pretty much unique in having our own recycling business here (Proper Job) so it seems a bit odd not to be concerned about the environmental impact of a rebuild. 5) A new build sends the wrong message to our children about being in a throw away society
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 15:16:40 +0000
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