By Dominic Boeck, lead member for children, young people and education at West Berkshire Council
Did you know that in West Berkshire 95% of our schools are good or outstanding? And that’s testament to our fantastic teachers and support staff who are steering our young children through childhood and onto a path of success. It is also thanks to the leadership of my dynamic council colleagues who have put education at the top the priority list.
Over the years, we have continued to invest huge amounts of money into our school buildings, making sure we have enough space. It’s thanks to this that parents living in West Berkshire are able to send children to a school of their choice. It’s also because of this commitment in investment that we were able to build not one, but two new primary schools during the pandemic (Theale C of E Primary School and Highwood Copse).
The government are investing a further £52 million into schools in West Berkshre but we need more. But we need more money so we can improve facilities for our local children, extend them, and make sure there are adequate places for everyone in the years to come. We especially need more spaces for children with special educational needs. That's why I'm pushing the government for even more money for West Berkshire schools - and I'll update you on the progress.