As part of the Ward Walk last week, I took Erika Wenzel to meet with the headmaster of Ivy Bank Primary school to discuss plans to improve the school.The Head would like to improve the amount that the school can be used for community use, which I think is an excellent idea. For those of us who live in what used to be "Ivy" ward - the nearest buildings which can be used for community spaces are the centre on Earlsway, and the Fermain youth centre. Neither of these are particularly close or easy to get to, especially if you live the other side of Valley Road.
Part of the suggested plans would allow a few rooms (including the hall) to be used by the Community. If need be, this could be during the school day as physcial segregation would ensure that child walfare was properly looked after.
It's a bit of a tricky one this because it's not going to add any pupil capacity to the school. This means that it might be a bit difficult for the governors to get funding for it. But the fact remains that although there is enough classroom space, the hall is much smaller than would be ideal, and the school lacks other facilities it could do with such as a Library.
That doesn't seem to put the Parents off - Ivy Bank is currently over subscribed.
2 comments:
do not ask how I ended up on your blog but anyway.
I am now training to be a primary school teacher and your post caught my eye.
Couldn't this school become involved in the Extended Schools Programme? I have no idea about the ins and outs of funding, availability and location but there is more info here: http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/extendedschools/
I firmly believe that primary schools are well placed to become community hubs and help local people develop a sense of pride and belonging in their local area which is sadly diminished these days.(again I am working in South London and I have no idea what Macclesfield is like).
This could be a rant so I'm stopping. Glad politics suits you? See you at the Rowe Nuptials? Hannah x
Hi Hannah, I am a governor at Ivy Bank and will look into the link you have provided. Thanks very much. Damien Druce
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