Millions of pounds of additional investment are required to tackle the backlog of repairs to schools in North Yorkshire, with councillors set to consider a proposed £6.8 million programme of improvements for the year ahead.
The Department for Education has awarded £6.8 million to us through its School Condition Allocation (SCA) grant, which, if approved, would be used to maintain and enhance school buildings across the county, helping to ensure they remain safe, compliant and fit for purpose.
We face a significant challenge in maintaining our schools estate, with an estimated £20.6 million maintenance backlog and a further £62.3 million of planned maintenance requirements identified over the next five years.
As of April this year, there were 175 maintained schools in North Yorkshire including three nurseries, 152 primary, 12 secondary, four special schools and four pupil referral units.
Executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “Providing safe, modern and well-maintained school buildings is essential if we are to give children and young people the best possible environment in which to learn and thrive.
“While this proposed investment would help us address a number of priority maintenance and compliance issues, it is clear that the funding available falls far short of the overall needs of our school estate.
"With a maintenance backlog of more than £20 million and additional investment requirements identified over the coming years, there remains significant pressure on schools and local authorities.”
She added: “We will continue to make the strongest possible case for increased Government funding so that we can tackle these challenges more comprehensively and ensure our school buildings remain safe, sustainable and fit for future generations of pupils."
The proposed programme includes £5.65 million for essential maintenance work such as roof, window and building system upgrades, £1.5 million for urgent repairs, and funding for health and safety improvements, asbestos management, boosting accessibility, school kitchen improvements and surveys to help to keep buildings safe and compliant.
The money would also be used to support for plans to expand school-based nurseries.
Our executive will meet on Tuesday next week (18 August) to consider the funding.
The report to the executive can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF here.