Initial update from Steven Quinn, Director of Children's Services
Wednesday 2 November 2022
I would like to update you on capacity at Dargavel Primary School, following a review of pupil numbers and the projected school roll in future years.
I am very sorry to advise you an error was made when determining pupil numbers for the new primary school in 2017.
The calculation used at the time identified the new school roll would not be more than 430 pupils. However, it became clear after a higher-than-expected number of admissions over this school year, the original projection would be significantly short of what will be required over future years.
I wish to apologise to our Dargavel families for this mistake. For those who previously raised concerns about the school's capacity, we are very sorry the reassurances previously provided were incorrect.
I can confirm the current school roll is 463 and we have capacity for all children entitled to a place at the primary school within this current school year.
I am aware there have been a small number of issues raised regarding the new layout and design of the school and appreciate your support as the school team have made adaptations. I am also aware of the very positive relationships between the school team and our pupils and their families.
It is now the council's priority to share the steps we will take to increase capacity at Dargavel Primary from August 2023 with parents and carers. I also want to assure you we will be carrying out a full review into these circumstances and the findings of this will be shared with you.
What happens next
The new projection identifies the need to support a peak of around 1,100 pupils as Dargavel village grows over the next decade.
We have carried out significant work to ensure this is as robust as possible and this has also been tested and benchmarked with other local authority projection models and similar family housing developments across Scotland.
To ensure we have space for everyone, we are taking steps now to deliver six new modular classrooms within the school grounds before the start of the new school year in August 2023 and will also work on a longer-term solution.
The new classrooms are modular buildings with their own heating, cloakroom, and toilet facilities, and we will work with parents and carers to demonstrate the quality and flexibility of the space being created. We will share further information on the new classrooms soon.
This will ensure there will be a place for every child at Dargavel Primary School and we look forward to welcoming them. We will engage with you on proposals for a longer-term permanent solution as they take shape, and it is my intention to finalise those plans in spring 2023.
The flexibility of general nursery provision means Dargavel Early Learning and Childcare Centre does not have the same pressures on demand as the primary school.
However, we will keep this under ongoing review and consider this as part of our planning for future school capacity. We are also updating parents and carers of children at the centre.
How we will keep in touch
We will continue to update and listen to parents and carers at all stages and are committed to keeping you fully informed throughout and will work closely with your parent council.
We are also maintaining a page on the council website with all the latest information and progress.
In the meantime, if you have any questions not answered by the information we have provided, a dedicated mailbox has been set up for any queries dargavelcs@renfrewshire.gov.uk which I hope is helpful.
Please once again accept my apologies for any concern this may have caused. We will work to keep you updated as work progresses.
I have visited the school several times myself and know how dedicated and committed the staff are to your children's teaching and learning. We will continue to support the school to deliver a high-quality learning environment where your children can thrive.
Yours sincerely,
Steven Quinn
Director of Children's Services
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