New school places plan for Sheffield moves step nearer

The plans include building a secondary school on the car park area of the Bannerdale site, in Millhouses, and building a new school on the former Pye Bank School site, in Pitsmoor, which would cater children from the ages of two to 18.

The council is also suggesting an expansion of Ecclesall Infant School to become a primary school and temporarily expanding Silverdale School to provide an additional 60 secondary places until 2018.

Coun Jackie Drayton, cabinet member for children, young people and families, told the cabinet meeting: “Our top priority is the education of our children.

“We need more schools and, as a council, it is our responsibility to provide them.

“We believe the proposals are the best for the children and young people in our city in order to make sure there are school places where they are needed.

“We need to ensure children can go to a school in their local area.”

The council carried a consultation last year which attracted more than 1,400 responses, making it one of the largest ever responses on a schools issue.

But some parents were concerned their views had been ignored.

One said: “During the consultation, we talked about all the different options.

“But there has been no transparency about the cost of each option.”

One mum said: “The council found that the land was not suitable for housing but we are willing to build a school and put young children there. I find that very staggering.

“What has changed?”

Coun Drayton said: “I am sorry some people feel that they have not had the chance to give their opinion.

“But we will have to have more discussions and we will do so.”

“We want to develop the schools with the community and I can guarantee there will be further consultation.”