School buildings across North Yorkshire could benefit from a £6.8 million programme of improvements as the council looks to tackle a growing backlog of repairs.
North Yorkshire Council has been awarded the funding by the Department for Education through its School Condition Allocation grant.
If approved, the money will be used to maintain and improve school buildings across the county, including essential repairs and work to ensure sites remain safe and fit for purpose.
However, the council estimates it is currently facing a £20.6 million maintenance backlog across its schools estate, alongside a further £62.3 million of planned maintenance requirements over the next five years.
As of April, there were 175 maintained schools in North Yorkshire, including 152 primary schools, 12 secondary schools, four special schools, four pupil referral units and three nurseries.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said:
“Providing safe, modern and well-maintained school buildings is essential if we are to give children and young people the best possible environment in which to learn and thrive.
“While this proposed investment would help us address a number of priority maintenance and compliance issues, it is clear that the funding available falls far short of the overall needs of our school estate.
“With a maintenance backlog of more than £20 million and additional investment requirements identified over the coming years, there remains significant pressure on schools and local authorities.”
The proposed programme includes £5.65 million for essential maintenance such as roof, window and building system upgrades.
A further £1.5 million is earmarked for urgent repairs, alongside funding for health and safety improvements, asbestos management, accessibility work, school kitchen improvements and building surveys.
Funding would also support plans to expand school-based nurseries.
Cllr Wilkinson added:
“We will continue to make the strongest possible case for increased Government funding so that we can tackle these challenges more comprehensively and ensure our school buildings remain safe, sustainable and fit for future generations of pupils.”
North Yorkshire Council’s executive is due to consider the proposed funding programme when it meets on Tuesday 18th August.
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