A series of drop-in sessions are to take place in Moray, as the area’s council looks to ensure its £300 million learning estate strategy meets the needs of those across the constituency.
It comes after findings revealed that 25 primary and six secondary schools currently score below the required standard for education buildings, meaning that more than 53% of pupils are learning in below-standard settings.
Moray Council said any new build or major refurbishment undertaken as part of the £300 million strategy will aspire to deliver an A standard for both condition and suitability. The former is based on the fabric, safety and security of the building, whereas suitability is the measure of whether a school is fit-for-purpose in delivering the education curriculum.
As well as improving the condition of school buildings, the strategy aims to create learning environments that better support curricular delivery; help foster relationships with the wider community; link with other public services; and embrace new opportunities through digital technology.
Chair of Moray Council’s education, children’s and leisure services committee, councillor Sonya Warren, said, “We fully recognise the need to make improvements to our learning estate so we’re able to provide a sustainable education service aiming for excellence. This significant investment over the next year 10 years will ensure we create learning environments that benefit pupils, teaching staff and communities alike.”
A series of drop-in sessions have been scheduled in towns across Moray to provide more information on the Learning Estate Strategy which aims to provide learning environments that connect people, places and learning. The sessions are scheduled to take place from Monday 21 February in Aberlour; Buckie; Burghead; Cullen; Dufftown; Elgin; Fochabers; Forres; Keith; Lossiemouth and Rothes, with a virtual alternative available for those who cannot attend.
Councillor Warren added, “I strongly encourage coming along to one of the sessions for more information, to ask any questions you may have or to find out how you can get involved in future projects.”
