School relocation plan 'would derail our lives'

A parent has said a proposal to move a Berkshire primary school to new premises five miles away would "derail" her family's lives.

If approved the plan would see Bearwood Primary School, in Sindlesham, moved to a purpose-built site in Spencers Wood, which is set to open in September 2028.

Wokingham Borough Council said the need for places was falling in the school's current location, but increasing in Shinfield and Spencers Wood.

A public consultation has now opened on the plans and will close on 1 October.

The plans would also see the current Bearwood Primary School site transformed into a new special school, set to open in September 2029.

It would provide 80 places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The new site in Spencers Wood will have 210 mainstream places, as well as a nursery and inclusive provision for 14 additional SEND pupils.

The council said it would provide a bus service from the current site to the new one for at least three years after the move.

Esme Frew, whose two children go to Bearwood Primary, said her youngest starting reception had been "overshadowed" by the news in an email the day before.

"It's completely derailed all of our lives. It's taken over all of our lives," she said.

"It's going to be a fantastic thing for Shinfield parish. But there's no benefit to Bearwood community.

"It feels as though the existing Bearwood community is being asked to make significant changes in order to solve wider strategic issues elsewhere."

Prue Bray, lead councillor for children's services, said without the move there was a risk a school might have to close.

"The primary school system in Wokingham is in danger of being really destabilised because most of the funding of primary schools comes on a per-pupil basis," he said.

"So if you've got 10 children in your class, you need a primary school teacher just as you need it for 30 children in the class.

"But with 10 in the class you don't have the money to pay that teacher. We need to fix that problem."

Funmi Alder, headteacher at Bearwood Primary School, said: "I realise this will be difficult for some families, but our lovely school needs to move to where it is needed.

"A brand new, purpose-built school building, set within the heart of a residential area, will enable us to further fulfil our vision as an inclusive community school committed to excellence."

The council's executive committee will make a formal decision in December.