Copford Primary School hoping for new classroom block

County councillors are due to vote on an application by Copford Primary School, in School Road, Copford, for a specialised classroom block.

The school currently teaches some groups of children in corridors and other areas, because it is so short of space.

David Bome, headteacher, for the past five years, said the main cause of the problem was a sharp rise in the number of pupils on the school roll in recent times – from 130 to more than 200.

He added: “I have a phenomenally-skilled group of learning assistants, but they have to work in the corridors at the moment.

“It’s not the right place for it, but we don’t have space to do all the things we need to do.

“The school is not big enough and it’s not in a good state.

“It’s been a problem for a long time.”

The school particularly needs room for special lessons for gifted children and others who need extra help to catch up.

The school is part of a Government scheme which supports youngsters who are falling behind by giving them extra tuition in small groups.

Mr Bome said: “We are one of the pilot schools and are making good progress, using our small group work.

“A lot of the children which are coming out at the moment are about catching up. The small groups will give children the extra ‘hit’ of education they need.”

The application is due to be considered today by the county council’s development and regulation planning committee – school applications such as this do not go through the usual borough council channels.

Planners are recommending approval and if agreed, Mr Bome hopes work on the £130,000 block can start some time in the next three years.

Kevin Bentley, county councillor for Stanway and Pyefleet, is backing the scheme.

He said: “It’s important schools have proper facilities and I support any planning application that’s going to help that.

“I will support the school in whatever it does.”