Three primary schools in RCT proposed for 21st Century Schools investment
RCTC Cabinet will receive an update on the Mutual Investment Model (MIM) funding element of Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme – through which three RCT primary schools have been proposed for future investment.
At the Cabinet meeting on Thursday, September 24, to be held virtually to ensure social distancing, Members will consider a report providing an update on Welsh Government’s progress in procuring a private sector partner to deliver new education and community facilities in Wales, under the MIM. This is the revenue funding route for the Band B 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme.
To access this fund, Councils and Further Education Institutions must use the MIM and Welsh Education Partnership Co (WEPCo), which has been established to deliver projects funded through this investment stream. Funding accessed via this route will see the Welsh Government contribute 81% towards future projects.
The first projects proposed for delivery through this new funding stream are three primary schools – Llanilltud Faerdref Primary, Penygawsi Primary and Pontyclun Primary. The schools are all within an area of rapid housing development and each require investment to reach a 21st Century standard.
At Thursday’s meeting, Cabinet Members could choose to approve the Strategic Partnership Agreement and agree to begin the formal approval process for the three primary school projects in the south of the County Borough.
Councillor Joy Rosser, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Inclusion Services, said: “Cabinet will receive an update from Officers on the revenue funding element of Welsh Government’s Band B 21st Century Schools projects – through the Mutual Investment Model. This would help the Council deliver significant school improvement projects for even more of our schools, utilising an 81% Welsh Government contribution.
“I recently visited the construction site for the £10.2m improvements currently being delivered at Hirwaun Primary School – the latest project in Rhondda Cynon Taf to benefit from 21st Century Schools funding. In recent years thousands of pupils have been taught in improved learning environments – including brand new schools for Porth, Tonypandy, Tonyrefail and Cwmaman, and new facilities in Pontyclun, Llwyncelyn, Ferndale and Treorchy.
“This funding really does make a difference to our young people, and I’m pleased that three primary schools – Llanilltud Faerdref Primary, Penygawsi Primary and Pontyclun Primary – have been proposed as the first projects to be delivered through the MIM. Cabinet Members could agree to start the formal approval processes for these projects on Thursday.”
