Primary Capital Programme
On 10 October 2007 the Department for Children, Schools and Families announced allocations for the Primary Capital Programme. The programme will support the delivery of the children's plan by:
- creating primary schools equipped for 21st century learning, at the heart of the community, with a range of children's services in reach of every family
- delivering a strategic approach to capital investment - supporting national policy aims, delivering world class standards, access to joined up services for children and families; and addressing local needs and priorities
- rebuilding, remodeling or refurbishing at least half of all primary schools, including rebuilding or taking out of use at least five per cent of school buildings in the worst physical condition (higher for the most deprived communities)
- focusing resources on deprivation nationally and in every authority
- reconfiguring the primary capital stock to account for demographic change
All primary schools are eligible, including voluntary aided, foundation and trust schools and primary age special schools.
Funding starts in 2008, for regional pilots, all local authorities are involved from year two. The programme is expected to run for 14 years, subject to future government spending decisions.
The authority is required to submit its Primary Strategy for Change to the Department for Children, Schools and Families no later than 16 June 2008. This document sets out the authority's strategic approach to capital investment in primary schools for the next 14 years.
In September 2008 the Department for Children, Schools and Families will notify all local authorities of the decision (approved, approved with conditions or not approved), provide feedback, confirm indicative allocations or request further information.