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Funding blow for schools
Schools in the Derbyshire Dales, High Peak and Amber Valley would not receive government cash for refurbishment for four years under plans branded 'unfair' by concerned councillors.
Derbyshire County Council is currently consulting on where money for upgrading primary schools should go between now and 2012.
It is part of a 15-year plan to improve buildings across the country and councillors have chosen 15 schools, based on the levels of deprivation in the area, the need for refurbishment and low levels of achievement from pupils.
But Conservative councillors believe the plans are unfair because they miss out all but one school in the south Derbyshire district.
Conservative group leader Andrew Lewer said that the proposals were "neither balanced nor fair to the majority of Derbyshire residents".
There is also concern that schools which are achieving good grades but have "sub-standard" classrooms are being overlooked.
Cllr Martyn Ford, shadow cabinet member for schools, said: "How can it be right for schools to be penalised for success? What frustrating news this formula must be for hard-working teachers who are penalised for their accomplishments and told that it means they do not need modern facilities as much as others."
Consultation
But Cllr Alan Charles, county council education chief, said the plans were still out to consultation and other schools in need of refurbishment would be considered after the first four-year period was completed.
He added: "The government cash is there to give the kids with the most disadvantaged background a good start in life."
The consultation comes to an end on May 30. Anyone who wishes to see the document can access it on the internet at www.derbyshire.gov.uk or call 08456 058058 for more information on the Primary Capital Strategy.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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