Millions of pounds have been approved to carry out 34 “urgent” safety works at Kirklees schools.

Today (June 10), Kirklees Council’s Cabinet agreed a £5.4m investment across local schools, with the majority of this cash to be spent on urgent repairs. The money will be used to ensure that school buildings remain safe, warm, dry and secure.

Some of the biggest proposals include rewiring works at Birkby Infant and Nursery School (£264,000), roof works at Norristhorpe Junior and Infant School (£190,000), a kitchen refurbishment at Wellhouse Junior and Infant School (£200,000) and a range of upgrades at Westborough High School (£287,000).

The schools in-line for the funds have been selected based on urgency, ranking the highest in terms of need in the council’s scoring system. Each of the schools on the list below scored between 28 and 30 - with 30 being the highest - meaning that “a failure of the element concerned would have a major impact on the individual school from a Health and Safety and/or building closure and/or building damage perspective.”

A table showing the project, affected ward and expected cost
A table showing the project, affected ward and expected cost
A table showing the project, affected ward and expected cost
A table showing the project, affected ward and expected cost

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet member for Finance and Regeneration, said previously: “We’re very proud of the Kirklees family of schools and their essential place at the heart of local communities. Schools provide more than education and care for our children. They support health and wellbeing, they support the wider family and they work with their community more than ever.

“Through our strong relationships with schools, we will ensure the improvements are delivered to an excellent standard for current and future pupils. Our aim is to replace inefficient materials with modern systems and enhance the physical environment for all concerned. By investing in our children, we are investing in their futures.”

The rest of the money will be used to create more school places for children. Eighteen new places will be made at New Mill Infants School and New Mill Junior School, catering for students with complex communication and interaction needs, as an Additionally Resourced Provision’ (ARP) – an environment giving specialist support.

Councillor Jane Rylah, Cabinet member for Education, said: “It is a major priority to support our more vulnerable learners and transform services for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). There is a growing demand for specialist school places across the country. Here in Kirklees, we’re doing everything possible to secure more places within the district and meet our local need.

“Additionally Resourced Provisions have opened at other local schools, tackling inequality and creating the right conditions for children to fulfil their potential. ARPs are nurturing spaces specifically tailored to their pupils. We have already seen the difference they make to children, young people and families.”

The schools above are not the only ones set to benefit from a much-needed cash boost. Earlier this week, we reported that local MPs had welcomed government funding to make improvements at Greenhead College and Kirkburton Middle School. Greenhead College can now fix dilapidated roofs and improve fire safety infrastructure, and heating infrastructure at Kirkburton Middle School will be replaced.

The scheme aims to ‘undo years of dangerous neglect’ with projects to be delivered during the 2025 to 2026 financial year. The government will be putting a total of £1.2bn into schools and hospitals nationally, as part of the wider initiative, with up to £21.5m being invested in schools across Yorkshire and the Humber.

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