Darley Churchtown School is to benefit from an investment of over £220,000 following a council decision last week. The money will be used to enhance the learning environment for all children with a particular focus on our early years provision as we move towards the launch of our nursery in September.

The money has come from a planning agreement and was held by the local authority. To access the funding, we had to submit plans to the local authority detailing how the money would be used. Our proposals were approved at a cabinet meeting last week, meaning we can now move ahead with the work.

Plans for the project include a wide range of improvements to both indoor and outdoor spaces. These will see the refurbishment of infant toilets and cloakrooms, upgrades to classrooms and the creation of new dedicated spaces for inclusion and reading.

The school hall will also be enlarged to better accommodate collective worship, physical education and lunchtime activities, while early years pupils will benefit from a resurfaced outdoor area and the addition of canopies to provide shade and shelter.

Further works will include improved accessibility and security measures, upgraded flooring and lighting, and energy-efficient LED installations throughout the building. All the changes will be within the existing structure of the building to ensure its historic character is maintained.

The money has come from a type of planning consent known as a Section 106 agreement. This requires developers to invest in the local community in return for being granted planning permission for building projects. The money was earmarked for the school as a result of a housing project in the area.

Following the approval of the plans, partners will now be appointed to carry out the work. We’ll keep you updated as we move forward with the project.