The announcement by David Blunkett, Secretary of State for Education and Employment, that there is to be a major investment programme in school buildings, has been welcomed in Warwickshire. Early estimates indicate that the County could benefit from as mush as £50 million over the next three years in grants, credit approvals and funds to improve access to schools.

There has already been a significant investment in the County’s schools over the past year, with £3.3 million from the ‘New Deal for Schools’, £700,000 for improved technology facilities in secondary schools and £2.6 million for boiler replacement, rewiring and structural repairs.

The County Education Officer, Eric Wood, said:

"This good news is very welcome – many of our schools need improved facilities and teachers and children need to be able to work and learn in the best environment we can provide.

"The Education Committee will consider the Government’s statement at the earliest opportunity and will want to ensure that Warwickshire is bidding for the maximum amounts available to improve our classrooms. Our children, young people and their teachers will clearly benefit from this initiative."