Primary place increases considered

The Bishop of Wakefield came to speak to pupils at Headfield Junior School and rededicate the building to celebrate the completion of a major refurbishment. (d25051253)

Under the plans put forward around 140 more pupils would be accommodated at Heaton Avenue Primary School in Cleckheaton, with an extra 105 at Leeside Community Primary in Heckmondwike and an additional 16 at Headfield Junior School in Dewsbury.

The expansion programme is designed to meet the growing need for primary places, with the number of school-aged pupils in the area rapidly increasing.

However, some remodelling work may be required at the schools to ensure facilities are up to a high standard for all pupils, the council has said.

Coun Shabir Pandor, cabinet member for children’s services, said the proposals would meet the level of demand in communities.

He said: “These improvements would be a £500,000 investment from the council and build on the excellent work taking place in local schools.

“Whilst the physical changes at these five schools would be relatively small, they follow a £12m programme of works for Kirklees schools that was agreed in late 2013.”