A MAJOR reduction in the outdoor play space for children at an urban small-scale school has left parents and ministers questioning the adequacy of the facilities for a modern primary school.
An unstable neighbouring property backing onto Springfield School’s outdoor playground has led to various safety measures being installed including support beams and the closure of a large section of play space previously used by the pupils.
These new measures were introduced in line at the start of the new academic year earlier this month and are excepted to be in place until at least January.
The long-term future of Springfield School is still uncertain amid government to close it and St Luke’s and replace them with a new two-form entry school at Gas Place. Budget funding of £12 million was approved by the States Assembly last December for the two-form school but the project proved divisive during this year’s election campaign.
St Helier Constable Inna Gardiner said the future of the site must be included in this year’s Budget proposals, which are due to be released on Tuesday.
Mrs Gardiner, a former Education Minister, said said the current loss of play facilities at Springfield reinforces the need for renewed focus on delivering a long-term solution that provides pupils with the sufficient space and environment.
“Pupils are already operating with outdoor space that many would consider inadequate for a modern primary school, with any further reduction only increases those pressures,” she said.
“In its current form, the school is no longer fit for purpose and a long-term solution is urgently required. The challenges facing the school are becoming more complex as time passes, and I do not believe children should be expected to continue making do with facilities that fall short of what they deserve. Every child should have access to safe, high-quality outdoor space for play, recreation and learning.
“I will continue to do everything within my influence to support the delivery of a modern school with appropriate outdoor facilities for Springfield pupils. If achieving that ambition requires a more ambitious solution than originally envisaged, including the possibility of a larger or multi-site provision, then those options should not be ruled out.”
The St Helier Constable said amendments to the Bridging Island Plan and to the Budget were necessary to support the Island’s Play Strategy, adding that “access to quality outdoor spaces is not an optional extra but a fundamental part of every child’s health, wellbeing and development.”
Ultimately, the needs of current and future pupils must remain at the centre of decision-making. The status quo cannot be considered satisfactory any longer.”
Inna Gardiner, St Helier’s Constable
“While St Helier presents unique challenges in terms of land availability, those constraints should not mean that children are expected to accept a lower standard of outdoor provision,” she said.
“I recognise the efforts that staff have made to support pupils despite these challenges, and I pay tribute to their commitment. However, I do not consider reduced outdoor space to be a satisfactory long-term arrangement for children. While temporary measures may be unavoidable, they should not become permanent by default.
“We owe it to Springfield pupils to provide facilities that meet modern expectations and allow them the same opportunities as children elsewhere in Jersey.”
A spokesperson for the Childen, Young People, Education and Skills Department said: “Additional hoarding has been installed within the southern end of the playground to separate the contractors and playground while the works are ongoing and to ensure the safety of all pupils. The majority of the playground is unaffected by these works.”
