This ambitious plan seeks to address the surging demand for educational infrastructure in Havering, a borough experiencing one of the fastest population growth rates for children under five in the UK
Havering Council is poised to invest a staggering £66 million in its schools and early years education facilities, aiming to accommodate the borough’s rapidly growing population of children and young people. The council’s Cabinet will review the proposals, which mark the fifth phase of a comprehensive expansion programme targeting Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education.
This ambitious plan seeks to address the surging demand for educational infrastructure in Havering, a borough experiencing one of the fastest population growth rates for children under five in the UK. Between 2002 and 2016, the number of births in Havering increased by an astonishing 52 percent, and the trend shows no signs of slowing. In the 2023/24 academic year alone, Primary school in-year applications surged by 13 percent, underscoring the urgent need for expanded facilities.
The £66 million investment will draw on a blend of government funding, financial resources from previous phases, and contributions from local housing developments through Section 106 agreements. This mix of funding will enable the council to execute an ambitious series of expansions and improvements across the borough’s education system.
New Schools and Expanded Facilities
Central to the proposals is the creation of two new nursery schools catering to children aged 2 to 4 years. These facilities will coincide with the Government’s planned expansion of the 30-hour childcare entitlement, ensuring local families have access to high-quality early years education.
This latest phase of the schools and early years expansion programme represents a proactive approach to ensuring Havering’s education system is equipped for the future.
Additionally, Havering is set to welcome two new Primary schools at Beam Park and Bridge Close, adding much-needed capacity to accommodate the borough’s young learners. The plans also include both permanent and temporary expansions at several existing Primary and Secondary schools to meet increasing enrollment numbers.
Enhanced Support for SEND Students
The proposals emphasize the growing demand for resources to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Plans include increased funding for dedicated SEND units at select schools, as well as an expansion of Lime Academy Forest Approach to provide additional capacity for students requiring tailored support.
Notably, a new 300-place special school on Balgores Lane, announced earlier this week, will further bolster the borough’s SEND offerings. These efforts align with the council’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
A Growing Challenge
Havering’s demographic trends highlight the scale of the challenge. The borough has the second-highest growth rate of 0 to 4-year-olds among all local authorities in the UK. This population boom, coupled with ongoing residential developments, has placed immense pressure on existing educational infrastructure.
Havering is a great place to live and to raise a family, and it is our responsibility to ensure we give those families and their children the best opportunities in life. Despite the extreme financial pressures the Council is facing due to a severe lack of Government funding, coupled with the rapid increase in our younger population, this is an investment we need to make to give those young people a solid, safe, and nurturing education.
Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People
Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating:
“Havering is a great place to live and to raise a family, and it is our responsibility to ensure we give those families and their children the best opportunities in life. Despite the extreme financial pressures the Council is facing due to a severe lack of Government funding, coupled with the rapid increase in our younger population, this is an investment we need to make to give those young people a solid, safe, and nurturing education.”
Meeting Future Needs
This latest phase of the schools and early years expansion programme represents a proactive approach to ensuring Havering’s education system is equipped for the future. By addressing the immediate need for additional school places and planning for sustained growth, the council is taking critical steps to support the borough’s young residents and their families.
As Havering continues to grow and evolve, the council’s commitment to education remains steadfast. With this significant investment, the borough is well-positioned to provide a robust foundation for its next generation, ensuring that every child has access to the quality education they deserve.
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