Building Schools for the Future in Tameside

Citizen Article - Schools of the future take shape

PR 3411 - 22/09/2005

A multi-million pound programme that will revolutionise education in Tameside is now underway.

The council has launched a major public consultation in the borough to find out how best it should spend the £100m Tameside has received thanks to the national Building Schools for the Future programme.

Every school in Tameside will benefit from the huge cash boost, so the council needs to know how residents throughout the borough feel the money should be invested to improve 21st century learning for all young people aged between four and 19.

New schools could be built, and existing ones will see major improvements. Building work is due to start in 2007.

Councillor Ged Cooney, executive member for Lifelong Learning, said: "We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform education in Tameside.

"And we want everyone in Tameside to have the chance to contribute to this exciting project.

"Although, at this stage the programme is for secondary age schools, we're taking this opportunity to look at all education provision and create a strong vision, giving a blueprint for all Tameside education strategies.

"Our vision is of inclusion, progress and achievement supported by innovation, partnership and ambition. We want schools to be at the heart of the community, providing not just formal education but also joined up services including health, leisure, sport, adult and family learning and community use.”

"We've already been taking a more community-based approach," said Ian Smith, Executive Director, Services for Children and Young People.

"Schools that have had new facilities have made these available to all the local community. And we've demonstrated our commitment to inclusive education with Cromwell High School being co-located with Astley Sports College."

The council wants local people to contribute to this vision for the future, in particular, their views about key elements of the vision. These are:

• Teaching and learning - how can we make what happens in schools/learning centres more relevant and exciting?
• Inclusion - how can we make sure that everyone gets the opportunities to be successful and achieve a fulfilled life?
• School organisation and diversity of provision - what different types of schools are needed in Tameside?
• ICT - how can we use 21st century technology to enhance learning?

Readers should send their views and ideas by Friday October 21. Contact us using the details below.

Alternatively, give their views via http://public.tameside.gov.uk/forms/f1146schoolfuture.asp.

The council's education Vision is due to be ready by the end of December 2005. The detail will then be pulled together and building work is due to start in 2007.

Contact Information
Send us a Message	BSF, Services for Children and Young People Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 3448

Issued by Janet Crawford