Robert Marshall-Andrews

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Creation of a full service extended school

A community hub to be based at St Mary's Primary School and Keystone Health Centre both located at Gun Lane, Strood

Bob Marshall-Andrews said, "I am pleased to report that the Government's 2004-05 Targeted Capital Fund (TCF) has allocated £2,312,407 of support for capital investment to Medway Council LEA for its project 'Creation of a full service extended school, community hub' that is to be located at St Mary's Primary School."

David Miliband MP, Minister of State for School Standards has recently informed the successful LEAs of their TCF of their allocations, the available funding was £260 million.

The funding criteria was based on : a) supporting schools causing concern, particularly those in challenging circumstances; b) curriculum improvements, particularly primary enrichment, science, and design and technology, and the 14-19 agenda; c) standards-focused re-organisations, e.g. expansion of successful and popular schools; d) improved provision for children with special educational needs, in mainstream and special schools, and pupil referral units; and lastly e) innovative use of buildings, for example, learning centres, and extended schools/community use.

Here in Medway the £2.3 million is to transform, by April 2006, St Mary's Primary School and Keystone Health Centre - creating a full service extended school that focuses health and education services upon families, parents and children.

Bob Marshall-Andrews added, "This is great news for local pupils with special educational needs and/or with disabilities as it will provide to families one stop access to professional healthcare and educationalists in and out of school."