The leader of Rushcliffe’s Labour Group has held urgent talks with the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, to secure funding to rebuild Ruddington’s junior school, which was forced to close because of the danger of collapse.
Councillor Jen Walker pressed the Education Secretary to include St Peter’s Junior School on the government’s list of urgent building projects.
The main building of the school was forced to close last December when it was condemned as being unsafe. Its 350 pupils were sent to neighbouring schools, and work started on the school site in January to install temporary classrooms.
“The disruption has been profound,” said Cllr Walker, who represents Ruddington on Rushcliffe Borough Council.
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In talks at Westminster, she urged the Education Secretary to give a “clear commitment” of capital funding and a confirmed timetable to deliver a new school that is safe, accessible and fit for purpose.
Cllr Walker later described the talks as “quite positive”.
“School building projects take planning and coordination. However, the circumstances that led to the condemnation of St Peter’s are exceptional and demand an exceptional response,” she added.
The meeting was arranged by Rushcliffe Labour MP James Naish after a letter was sent to Bridget Phillipson highlighting local concerns from Ruddington’s three Labour councillors.
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Said Cllr Walker: “Every month of delay increases pressure on families, staff and neighbouring schools who have taken in Ruddington children.
“It is also compounding uncertainty for children where stability matters and risks widening inequality: families without flexible work, transport options, or additional support are hit hardest when local provision disappears.
“Our children only get one chance at their education, and they should not bear the cost of delays beyond their control.”
• Pupils from St Peter’s school in Ruddington settle in at Jesse Gray school in West Bridgford
Negotiations with the Department for Education are already well underway by Nottinghamshire County Council, the authority with local responsibility for education and council-run school buildings. Wayne Bexton, Director of Economy, Environment and Assets at the county council said:
“Our long-term plan is to demolish the current building and rebuild the school. We’ve been in contact with the Department for Education since December to request urgent funding for both the rebuild and the temporary village. This has the backing of the local MP of course. We will announce more details as soon as we can.”
