Three Derby primary schools are set to benefit from more than £1.57m of Government funding to improve their buildings, creating warmer, safer and better learning environments for hundreds of children.
Borrow Wood Primary School and Asterdale Primary School, both in Spondon, together with Beaufort Primary School in Chaddesden, have all secured funding through the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF).
The successful bids, submitted by Odyssey Collaborative Trust, will fund a new roof at Borrow Wood Primary and replacement boiler systems at both Asterdale Primary and Beaufort Primary.
The latest awards mean the Trust has now secured almost £8m of Government investment for its schools over the past six years, funding 20 major building improvement projects across Derby.
Borrow Wood Primary School has been awarded £659,725 to replace its ageing roof, while Asterdale Primary School and Beaufort Primary School have secured £387,981 and £526,333 respectively for new heating systems.
Odyssey Collaborative Trust was the only multi-academy trust in Derby to secure successful Condition Improvement Fund bids in the latest funding round. The Trust also committed £183,000 of its own funds towards the three projects, strengthening the applications.
Natalie Bartlett, Headteacher of Borrow Wood Primary, said: “This funding will make a huge difference to our school community.
“Over the years, the condition of the roof has caused disruption in classrooms, with leaks meaning children and staff have sometimes had to work around buckets during wet weather.
“We’ve never let that stop the fantastic teaching and learning taking place, but we’re incredibly excited that this long-standing issue can now be addressed.
“The new roof will transform both the appearance and day-to-day experience of our school. It will create a brighter, more welcoming environment where children and staff can make full use of every classroom, whatever the weather.
“For us, this investment is about much more than the building itself. It shows our children, staff and families that they are valued and deserve the very best learning environment.
“We can’t wait for our school building to reflect the brilliant work that happens inside it every day, as we continue to help every child be their best.”
Ian Dewes, Chief Executive of Odyssey Collaborative Trust, said: “Securing this funding is fantastic news for our pupils, staff and school communities.
“It allows us to invest in the fabric of our schools, ensuring they remain safe, sustainable and fit for the future.
“The improvements may not always be the most visible, but they make a significant difference to the day-to-day experience of everyone in our schools.
“We’re incredibly proud that all three of our bids were successful, particularly as we were the only trust in Derby to secure funding in this round. It reflects the expertise of our operations team and our commitment to planning for the long term.
“With nearly £8 million secured through the CIF programme over the past six years, we’re continuing to ensure our schools benefit from investment that would otherwise not be possible.”
Jonathan Davies, MP for Mid Derbyshire, said: “Visiting local schools is one of the highlights of my role as a Member of Parliament and allows me to witness first-hand the fantastic work and effort that goes into educating future generations.
“Ensuring that school buildings are safe, properly heated, and waterproof is vital in allowing students and teachers to thrive and prosper in an environment that can otherwise distract from learning.
“That is why I am so pleased that Borrow Wood Primary School and Asterdale Primary School in Mid Derbyshire are receiving support from government to deliver essential improvements and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these projects on my future visits.”
Catherine Atkinson MP for Derby North said: “This Labour Government is investing more than £526,000 in Beaufort Primary School, helping to give children and staff a warmer, more reliable environment in which to learn and work.
“Good school buildings support good teaching and help pupils focus on their education. This funding will make an important difference to the day-to-day life of the school and is good news for families across Chaddesden.”
