Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

School Buildings West Dorset 2022-01-31

2022-01-31

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Chris Loder
▸ Context
The question arises from concerns about the condition of school buildings in West Dorset, affecting educational environments and student experiences.
If he will take steps to ensure a high standard for school buildings in West Dorset. Ensuring that schools are well maintained is critical to support effective education.
Robin Walker
Ensuring that schools are well maintained and support effective education is a Government priority. We have allocated £11.3 billion since 2015 to improve school buildings, and Dorset Council received £2.9 million this financial year in school condition allocations. We are delivering rebuilding projects in West Dorset, and our school rebuilding programme will transform 500 schools over the next decade.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Chris Loder
▸ Context
The question arises from the persistent issue of deteriorating temporary classrooms being used for schooling, affecting students' learning environments. The constituent had a previous engagement with the Department which made little progress.
Twenty-five years ago, I attended the Gryphon School in Sherborne and was schooled in temporary classrooms. I returned to the school only a few months ago, to find the same temporary classrooms, in a terrible state, being used for students today. I am making limited progress with my hon. Friend's Department, so might he offer further support so that we can get the situation sorted out?
Robin Walker
My hon. Friend is right to speak up for his old school. I am concerned to hear of the issues there. I understand that he met my noble Friend the Minister for the School System and senior officials. We have been engaging with the Sherborne Area Schools' Trust on this matter and it has received £585,000 this financial year to improve its school buildings, but I would of course be happy to meet my hon. Friend again.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The questioner sought further support for the Sherborne Area Schools' Trust, but no specific new commitments were made beyond a willingness to meet again.
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