A SCHOOL currently operating from two different spaces more than a mile apart from each other could see the sites combined in a bid to “provide a more cohesive school community.”

Under the new plans, Warfield CE Primary School would run from its Woodhurst site, a ‘state-of-the-art’ building which opened five years ago but which has empty classrooms under the current arrangements.

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This would mean pupils wave goodbye to their All Saints building, which went up almost 30 years ago and is said to be ageing.

Following discussions between the school’s leadership team, governors and Bracknell Forest Council, it was proposed all children will study at Woodhurst in a move which representatives of the school say will have “significant educational and financial benefit.”

Should the plans go ahead, it is claimed the school’s operating budget would face less pressure, specialist staff would be able to work from a singular site instead of having to split their time between both spaces, and children would have greater access to ICT equipment.

Cllr Paul Bettison OBE, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said: “Warfield CE Primary currently has space for three classes each year across two sites but, in reality, it is operating just two full classes across two sites.

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“This doesn’t make financial or educational sense, so the plan is to move all pupils to the larger, more modern Woodhurst.

“This will provide a better learning environment for all pupils, provide greater access to equipment and specialist teachers and reduce the pressure on the school’s budget. It will also create a unified school under one roof.

Bracknell News:

(Woodhurst site)

“We know that some parents may have questions about this, which is why the school is hosting a virtual meeting for parents/carers who want more information or reassurance about the plans.”

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Parents and carers will get a chance to have their say on the plans through a consultation which runs until Wednesday, February 3, which can be found here.

Bracknell News:

(All Saints site)

Following the consultation, the council will make a final decision on the merger on Wednesday, February 24.

Timescales for the move to Woodhurst will be determined after the decision date, and if the move goes ahead, would be likely to be implemented before 31 March 2022.