Buckie area drop-in sessions to focus on learning estate future
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THREE drop-in sessions have been scheduled for the Buckie area to seek the public's view on the future of Moray's school estate.
The events aim to provide more information on Moray Council's £300 million Learning Estate Strategy which aims to provide learning environments that connect people, places and learning.
Locally, sessions have been planned for Buckie, Cullen and Fochabers.
The Learning Estate strategic approach, approved by Council in December 2020, will see the development of individual solutions to meet the varied needs of areas across Moray, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
The strategy aspires for any new build or major refurbishment to deliver an A standard for both condition and suitability. The condition rating 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.
Currently 25 primary and six secondary schools in Moray fall below the required standard for school buildings, meaning more than 53 per cent of pupils in Moray are learning in below-standard premises.
While there are no specific proposals at this stage, increasing school rolls means that the initial focus is likely to be on Buckie, Elgin and Forres where there’s an identified need to create more capacity. Other priority areas will be those with schools with significant maintenance issues.
As well as improving the condition and suitability of our school buildings, investment in the learning estate offers the opportunity to adopt a place-based approach, allowing for a more joined-up, collaborative, and participative method to the delivery of our future learning estate and to provide increased opportunities for people and communities.
The chairwoman of the education, children’s and leisure services committee, Councillor Sonya Warren (Buckie, SNP), said that the strategy is focused on creating learning environments that are inspiring, fit for purpose, well-maintained and equipped for modern standards of teaching.
“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.
“Detailed proposals will be developed for each area, and meaningful consultation and engagement with communities will play a huge part in deciding what each of these projects will look like.
“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.”
The local sessions are scheduled for the following times and locations: Buckie – Monday, February 21, 11am-7pm, Buckie library; Cullen – Tuesday, February 22, 6pm-8pm, Cullen library; Fochabers – Tuesday, March 8, 5pm-8pm, Fochabers library.
A virtual alternative is available for those who cannot attend.
More information on the Moray Learning Estate Strategy can be found on on the council website.
