Dorset Schools Quality of Classrooms 2022-07-04
2022-07-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP seeks to improve classroom quality in schools across Dorset, highlighting the need for better facilities and infrastructure.
What steps he is taking to improve the quality of classrooms in schools in Dorset. Schools require improved conditions with a focus on replacing temporary structures and fixing outdated systems like boilers.
Improving the condition of schools is a priority for the Department with over £13 billion allocated since 2015, including £1.8 billion this year; Dorset received £2.3 million to invest in maintained schools and there were five successful condition improvement fund projects approved.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP continues to press for investment in The Gryphon School and Dorchester Middle School, highlighting the urgent need for replacement of temporary classrooms and boilers.
I hope I am not giving my hon. Friend the Minister a headache by keeping on reminding him about The Gryphon School in Sherborne, but it desperately needs its temporary classrooms to be replaced. I shall be grateful to hear from him on that. Furthermore, will he help me with Dorchester Middle School? The school, which is nearly 100 years old, has lodged a bid to replace boilers that do not work, and its bid for capital improvement funds has been rejected.
Nominations to the school rebuilding programme are being assessed, and we expect to confirm up to 300 schools this year; all appeals for condition improvement fund applications are carefully considered, with outcomes expected shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
commitment to an individual school at this stage
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP seeks information on the status of applications for the school rebuilding programme, particularly for Lydiate Primary School and schools in Dorset.
I know that schools in Dorset applied to the schools rebuilding programme. I know, too, that the Minister appreciates the importance of informing schools of their place on the programme as soon as possible. However, Under-Secretary of State for Education Baroness Barran told me that schools will be informed later this year. Can the Minister say when schools in Dorset and Lydiate Primary School in my constituency will be told whether they will receive the money that they desperately need?
The Department has engaged with Lydiate Primary School previously; all local authorities were contacted to nominate schools for the next round of the rebuilding programme, expecting outcomes later this year but some may be informed sooner.
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Assessment & feedback
specific timeline for informing individual schools
Response accuracy