Residents asked for views of expansion of Boston Staniland Academy

RESIDENTS in Boston are being asked for their views on plans to expand Boston Staniland Academy.

The Boston Witham Academies Federation (BWAF) has started a consultation on plans to permanently expand the capacity at the school from September 2014.

Lincolnshire County Council approached Staniland Academy in Peck Avenue to ask if additional pupils could be catered for.

Executive headteacher Adrian Reed said: "It is important that the BWAF gathers and considers all views on this proposal prior to making a decision on whether to proceed.

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"The proposal being consulted on is to permanently expand the school from the existing capacity of 420 places based on a Published Admission Number (PAN) of 60 to 630 places (PAN 90).

"This would increase the PAN initially for the reception and year one intake in September 2014 from 60 to 90 with the PAN for all other years remaining at 60. The increased intake to 90 would then be phased in with each subsequent Reception intake until the PAN of 90 applies to all year groups."

For Reception places in September 2013, LCC has asked Staniland Primary Academy if it would be possible to offer up to 30 reception places in addition to the PAN of 60. This is to ensure that sufficient places are available in Boston to meet local demand. The academy is proceeding with building plans to provide a single additional classroom to ensure enough accommodation is available for September 2013.

Mr Reed added: "National birth rates, mostly concentrated in more urban areas, have been steadily rising in recent years. This increased birth rate, combined with inward migration, is now starting to have an impact at primary school age putting significant pressure on primary schools across the country where there is a shortage of Reception places.

"The Boston community may experience a shortage of available places if capacity at the local school is not increased."

Following statutory consultation, if the expansion proposal is approved, building work will begin during the academic year 2013/14 with plans to be completed in readiness for the start of term in September 2014.

Lincolnshire County Council's executive councillor for Children's Services, Patricia Bradwell said: "Staniland Academy is consulting on expanding its capacity and we will be supporting their plans if the proposal gets the go ahead. There is a demand for additional permanent places in the Boston area and Staniland's proposals will bring additional classes and more children on roll benefiting both the academy and the community. The council has a statutory duty to provide enough school places to meet local demand and the proposal to expand Staniland Academy supports this."

People wishing to comment can do so until 5pm on March 15.

The academy will also be holding a public meeting in the Main Hall at 5pm on Monday, January 28. In addition pre-booked consultation sessions will be held on Monday, January 28 between 8.30am and 4.30pm.

Copies of all documents related to the proposal, including an electronic version of the feedback form can be found online at www.staniland.org.uk