Kirklees Council has announced that it investing in the improvement of school buildings, following Cabinet agreement.
The projects will be supported by £4.5 million in funding, with ambitions of improving learning environments and supporting the district’s climate emergency goals.
With approximately 25 schools seeing the developments, work will include improvements to roofs, electrical equipment, kitchen facilities, heating and lighting systems, and better access for children who are living with additional needs.
The council’s Cabinet Member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, Councillor Carole Pattison, said:
“Our children deserve the very best, so we are delighted to approve these large-scale improvement works throughout Kirklees.
“We are not just investing in buildings and infrastructure, we’re supporting our learners to have the best start in life and achieve excellent outcomes.
“Creating high-quality environments is part of our long-term vision for learning, which is called Our Kirklees Futures and is a partnership between the whole education sector in Kirklees.
“We want our settings to be sustainable for the future and to actively promote an understanding of climate change.”
Councillor Paul Davis, Corporate cabinet member, added:
“The schemes we have agreed will ensure energy efficient materials replace older roofs, boilers, heating and electrical systems.
“The will bring welcome savings for our schools, in terms of both energy and money, and will mean our schools are even more welcoming and inclusive.
“Schools are at the centre of their communities, delivering essential educational health and wellbeing activities for children, parents and the wider community.
“By investing to make their facilities cleaner and greener, we can have a major, positive impact for many years to come.”
The council has also announced that the majority of the work will be undertaken in periods of schools holidays, so as not to disrupt children, families and staff.
