Creating educational and leisure facilities for the whole community, not just schoolchildren, is an important part of BSF, so you and your neighbours will also benefit directly from the improvements to local schools, for example, by being able to use them for sports or evening classes.

As a parent, you will be interested in how the new facilities will meet your children’s needs. There are several ways for you to have a say about what sorts of schools there should be in your area, where they are and what facilities they have. Sandwell Council, and possibly your school, will consult you before any changes are made. You can also contact your school’s governors and parent-teacher associations, or you may have the chance to discuss plans with teachers and head teachers.

You may be worried about disruption to your child’s education whilst building work is being done at their school. While some disruption is inevitable, BSF is designed to reduce this.

Getting involved

If you would like to learn more or have your say on how your school will look, try some of these:

• Keep an eye on this website and your school newsletter or website for details of events, where you will be able to get more information and share your ideas
• Attend roadshows and other events at your school or in the community
• Discuss the programme with other parents and carers at PTA meetings
• Discuss the programme with your child’s teachers at parents’ evenings
• Keep an eye on local and national media, including newspapers, radio and TV