How much money is being spent under BSF in Sandwell?

Around £370 million will be spent across all secondary school and academy sites in Sandwell.

When will the building work start?

The building programme will start in 2009 and all Sandwell secondary schools will be rebuilt or refurbished by 2013. 

Are Sandwell primary schools included in BSF?

BSF is a secondary schools programme and primary schools are not included. This is because there are particular challenges to secondary schools to raise standards: improving teaching and learning for 11-14 year olds, developing a broader range of curriculum choices for 14-19 year olds and supporting greater specialisation and collaboration. The increasing focus on specialisms such as in technology, languages or science at secondary level requires specialist facilities.

However, although primary school buildings and facilities are generally in better condition, this does not mean that they will be overlooked. A separate (although smaller) primary schools capital programme will be starting in Sandwell from 2009.

Are Academies included in BSF?

Academies are publicly funded independent schools and a key part of our BSF plans. Some of our academy projects were well under way before the Council was given the go-ahead for the wider BSF programme. We have integrated these academies into our BSF strategy and we shall be providing more new academy work as a part of the BSF programme.

Is post-16 education, such as AS levels, included in the BSF programme?

Funding for most post-16 education is provided by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), but the Government has now decided to transfer this responsibility to local government. We shall be providing age 14-19 learning at our BSF sites. We are working with schools, colleges and other FE providers to set up a full range of opportunities throughout the Borough, increasing vocational opportunities and providing opportunities for lifelong learning.

Is there any alternative to BSF?

The traditional capital programme funded by Sandwell Council is still available, but it is very small in comparison to the investment opportunity that BSF offers for Sandwell. In practise, therefore, traditional funding is more likley to be used in primary schools.

What happens if the council or government change politically - will the BSF scheme be scrapped?

The BSF scheme has the backing of all the major political parties at present.

Will extra sports facilities be created under the BSF programme, and will the community be able to use them?

Yes, BSF schools will include sports facilities which will in most cases be an improvement on what schools have now. For example, a large school hall will be provided, plus a sports hall and outdoor courts and/or grassed areas. Priority use of these facilities is for the school but the wider community will be encouraged to use them where appropriate. We are working with regional sports and culture groups to ensure we take opportunities to provide for a range of sports and leisure interests as part of the Extended Schools programme.

Will parents, staff, pupils and neighbours be involved in decisions relating to the location, design and features of the new?

It is really important to us that staff, pupils, parents, the local community and other groups are involved in working with architects and Sandwell Council to ensure that the new school will meet their needs. Neighbours of any new school will be able to express their views on the siting of the school via the usual planning process.

Will the needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN) or disabilities be catered for in the new school designs?

BSF is a real opportunity to improve accessibility and inclusion at our secondary schools. Any new build or refurbishment will have to comply with the latest legislation, and both Sandwell Council and central government policies.

What happens to existing staff when schools move to services provided by the Local Education Partnership (LEP)?

For teaching and administration staff there will be no change - they still work for the governors or Sandwell Local Education Authority (LEA). For facilities management staff, such as cleaners, site supervisors and catering staff, this will depend upon which services the Council decides to include in the contract. Staff who work in those services are likely to be transferred to become employees of the service provided. The 'Transfer Undertaking Protection of Employment Rights' (TUPE) Regulations are designed to protect staff that transfer in relation to maintaining their terms and conditions of employment.

What happens to existing staff when schools move to PFI school buildings?

For teaching and administration staff there will be no change - they still work for the governors or Sandwell LEA. For facilities management staff, such as cleaners, site supervisors and catering staff, this will depend upon which services the Council decides to include in the contract. Staff who work in services are likely to be transferred to become employees of service provided or the PFI contractor. The 'Transfer Undertaking Protection of Employment Rights' (TUPE) Regulations are designed to protect staff that transfer in relation to maintaining their terms and conditions.

Who owns the new buildings/facilities if created under a PFI contract and for how long?

School site are sometimes owned by the Council or held in trust by foundations or governing bodies The same public body that holds the site now will continue to hold it under a PFI deal, but they will grant a lease to the PFI contractor who will build, finance, and manage the new school buildings for around 25 years. The council and the school will pay a service charge for the premises to be used by the school and this may include furniture and Information Communications Technology (ICT) facilities. After the contract period, the lease will end and the school premises will transfer back to the Council, the trustees, or the governing body in a fully maintained condition. The school is responsible for paying teaching and support staff.

Will the buildings and grounds be to an appropriate quality standard, provide sufficient space and protect green areas?

Yes, the designs will have to meet building regulations regarding the quality of design and materials provided. Internal space provisions will conform to guidelines and allow for flexible use. Playing fields and green areas are protected by law and the size of playing fields will depend on how many pupils will be at the new school. Designs and layouts would comply with this.

Will transport of pupils to, from and around school be considered?

Yes. Locally, the planning process will consider transport issues of pupils in due course and the internal design of the school will take into consideration pupil flows and their needs.

Are there similar schools already built and in use?

Yes, there are a number around the country. Any lessons that can be learnt by the experience of the schools in the new buildings can feed into the design and specification of BSF schools in Sandwell. In turn, we expect our new schools to become exemplars for others to follow .