Open meeting called to discuss expansion of Ashton Gate Primary School

Ashton Gate Primary School has arranged a public meeting for people concerned about the shortage of primary school places in the Bedminster and Southville areas of south Bristol to discuss the possibility of expanding the school.

The Chair of Governors, Lloyd Fletcher, is keen to stress that the meeting is for the whole community, including future parents. It will take place tomorrow Thursday 24th November from 7pm, in the Junior hall.

Governors at the school have until the end of this month to decide whether to accept an additional Reception class for the 2012 school year.

They have called the meeting to get feedback on proposals to expand Ashton Gate Primary by means of an annexed site.

The Local Authority is investigating the possibility of purchasing two parcels of land from nearby St Francis Church in order to create additional school space. 

The plan would be to create a self-contained, secure site, including outdoor play space, with high quality modular accommodation providing classrooms, support rooms and toilets.

As a temporary measure, two Year 6 classes would move there in September 2012, freeing up space on the main site for three incoming Reception classes. 

This arrangement would be likely to last for two years, while a permanent facility is built.

The meeting on Thursday will provide an opportunity for a brief recap and update on the situation and the governors hope that a Local Authority officer will attend to take questions.

Documents including outline plans and visuals for what the temporary accommodation would look like will be available at the meeting.

And there will be several governors and staff there to answer questions and hear the views of those people who have been or will be affected by the shortage of primary school places across the BS3 area. Local councillors have also been invited.