Here is a letter that was sent out to all parents and guardians

18th October 2011

Dear Parent / Carer

The School governors have been approached by Lancashire County Council, working with the Blackburn Diocese, to consider expanding the school to two forms of entry (60 pupils per year group)

In order to provide much needed additional primary school places in Nelson and Brierfield.

This is because the birth rate in the area has grown to such an extent that the number of places currently provided by primary schools in the area is insufficient to meet future demand.

After careful consideration the governors have agreed in principle,to the Local Authority beginning the process of consultation with parents/carers and the wider community to expand the school.Subject to a cabinet Member decision in December the expansion process will be carrird out in two parts:

 

A 'temporary expansion for september 2012 on the school's current site, so that the school can accommodate up to 60 pupils in the reception year. Additional accommodation will be provided and class size will not exceed 30 pupils per class

 

Permission to begin a statutory consultation exercise in January 2012 with all parents/carers and the wider community around a permanent expansion of the school.

 

If the proposals to permanently expand the school are approved it will mean that the school will be completely rebuilt providing a modern teaching and learning environment, including outdoor space, for the benefit of all children. Capital investmenton this scale is very difficult to come by in current times and, by growing in size, the school will gain considerably by having more appropriate premises for the delivery of modern curriculum .

This dose, however, mean that the school will need to be relocated to an alternative site off Mansfield Grove as the current site is not large enough to support a rebuild and enlargement.

 

There are a lot of steps to be taken before this proposal becomes a reality and it will take some time to hear views and for a final decision to be taken. You will be kept updated on the proposal by the school and Lancashire County Council as it moves forward.

 

Letter No2

16th November 2011

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

I am writing to you about the proposed new building for St Paul's CE Primary School.

Although I have no further news from Lancashire County Council or Blackburn Diocese,

I would like to reassure you on the following points;

 

St paul's CE Primary School will retain its clear Christian ethos whether we stay on the present site or move to a new building .

 

We will retain our strong links with the church and continue to attend church on a regular basis.

 

The admission criteria for the school will remain the same

 

If pupil numbers increase, staffing will increase accordingly children will be taughtin classes of 30 as at present.

 

If we do move to a new building there will be a formal consultation period during which the views of

Parents will be considered.

 

As soon as it is known whether the proposal is approved by Lancashire County Council, a meeting for Parents and Guardians will be held in school to explore the implications for everyone.

I am happy to discuss the matter further if you need clarification on any points

 

Yours sincerely,

Barbara Dewar

Head teacher