THE Department of Children, Schools and Families today announced that North East Lincolnshire will receive £30million over 14 years to renew the borough’s primary schools.

Through the Primary Capital Programme the Government has committed to renew at least half of all primary school buildings by 2022-2023. The aim is to create primary schools that are equipped for 21st century teaching and learning, and are at the heart of their communities with children’s services in reach of every family.

North East Lincolnshire Council produced a Primary Strategy for Change which has been approved today enabling them to receive funding from 2009/10.

The aims of the Primary Capital Programme are to deliver quality school environments that facilitate personalised learning and deliver high standards and first-class facilities so pupils can study in a way that suits them; facilities that equip schools to play a part in the Every Child Matters agenda; and quality learning environments that enhance teachers’ flexibility.

The DCSF has indicated an expected outcome for North East Lincolnshire to rebuild or take out of use 15% of primary schools (seven schools) and to improve 35% of schools (17 schools) by the end of the programme. It is also intended that investment through the Primary Capital Programme will enable a step change in the level of ICT provision in primary schools.

The programme comes at an ideal time for North East Lincolnshire’s schools following an earlier decision to amalgamate 22 infant and junior schools and the ensuing investment of £14million in the primary estate.

The programme will also offer the context for professional development in teaching and change management that will enable us to radically rework how teachers teach and learners learn.