Clarksfield all set to join the Oasis family

Parents, pupils and staff outside Clarksfield Primary

The regeneration of an Oldham primary school has moved closer after both the Department for Education (DfE) and Oldham Local Authority approved significant funding applications from a multi-academy trust to improve the school’s buildings and learning environments for current and future pupils.  
 
Clarksfield Primary School is soon to join successful and established multi-academy trust Oasis Community Learning (Oasis).  

Oasis has appointed an experienced school leader, Ms Angela Sweeting, as Executive Principal to work with the staff team to drive improvements at the school, and engage with parents and pupils ahead of its conversion to an academy this January.    
 
Oasis are working in partnership with Oldham Council to expand the school to provide necessary additional pupil places and to complete improvement works to the school’s buildings.  

The school will expand from two-form entry to three from September, 2019.  

In total, Oldham Council will be investing £2.985m. 
 
Oasis have also been working in collaboration with the government to secure capital funding to make a number of improvements to the learning environments.

The DfE have indicated a level of funding up to £1m, subject to application and approvals.  

The investment will renew outdoor play spaces, redesign toilet facilities, improve heating and ventilation, and reuse recreation facilities to make a new dance space.   
 
Commenting on the funding, Ms Sweeting said: “This funding from our partners at Oldham Council and the Department for Education is hugely exciting news for our pupils, parents and our wider community.
 
“Together as a staff team we are making changes that will drive improvements across the school.  

"This new investment is a great boost for us all, and will build on what we have already achieved.” 
 
“The future is very bright for everyone involved with the school – Oasis will be taking forward plans over the coming years to invest this spending to ensure we create a great refreshed learning environment for the children.” 
 
Councillor Paul Jacques, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Culture, said: “We are delighted to approve this funding for Clarksfield Primary School as it’s vital that our young people receive the best education possible in surroundings that are fit for purpose.    

“The funding is part of our commitment to invest £30m in building or extending schools across the borough, supporting our vision to raise attainment levels and standards and also helping to meet the growing demand for school places. 

“Ms Sweeting and her team are doing a good job at the school and we look forward to continuing our work with them so pupils enjoy the best start in life so they can realise their potential.” 

John Murphy, CEO of Oasis Community Learning, added: "We are so pleased that Clarksfield Primary will be joining our local family of eight academies in Greater Manchester, and the wider Oasis Community Learning group.   
 
“We are proud to be given the opportunity to serve this fantastic community, and equally we look forward to the contribution the academy will make to our mission to create 'Exceptional education, at the heart of the community'.

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