More than 60 Staffordshire schools are set to benefit from upgrades in the coming year – including improvements to toilet facilities to boost safety for pupils.

Other work in the capital programme for schools will include refurbishment of playgrounds, roof repairs and upgrades to improve insulation.

The programme was approved by Staffordshire County Council's cabinet at its meeting on Wednesday (15 April).

In total more than £27m is set to be invested in school maintenance and improvement projects during 2026/27.

Cllr Janet Higgins, cabinet member for education and SEND (special educational needs and disabilities), said: "We all know that a school is much more than a building; it's a place where children feel safe, supported and able to thrive.

A good quality environment really does make a difference to attendance, behaviour and the wellbeing of pupils and staff.

"The programme sets out how we intend to invest in our schools over the coming year.

"Although we're still waiting for confirmation of the DfE maintenance allocation, we have taken a sensible, prudent approach, based on previous funding levels, and the programme will be reviewed as soon as the final figure is announced.

advertisement

"Our priorities remain clear; first we continue to focus on ensuring that our schools are safe, warm and dry. We're making sure schools follow a planned maintenance of the highest priority conditions.

"Alongside that we're investing further in mainstream engagement through development and resource bases, so that more children with high needs can be supported in their local community schools.

"We are also strengthening local SEND provision so that families can access the right support closer to home.

"We are continuing our programme of toilet refurbishments, which schools constantly tell us have a huge impact on behaviour, safety and the day to day experience of pupils.

"Finally, the programme supports our long-term planning for school places and includes the ongoing feasible work for a new all-through SEND school in Rugeley, which will be a significant addition to our offer."

Cllr Marie Shortland asked what the benefits of the toilet refurbishment were.

Cllr Higgins responded: "Schools tell us a well-designed modern toilet ha a real impact on behaviour, wellbeing and respect for the environment. If we all look back to our school days, I can remember some very unhappy times in toilets with bullying and that sort of thing.

"We've listened to feedback from staff and families and we're investing in clear, open, modern toilets that will take away a lot of the unsafe issues for young people at school.

"It's a lot safer environment now in modern toilets."

Cllr Andrew Mynors said: "I think it's very important we support the next generation going forward.

"What are the main challenges they face in schools – is it toilets, floors, roofs – where is the money being spent?"

Cllr Higgins told cabinet members she had visited a school where the floor was uneven, so investment has been made to ensure the floor is safe.

She added: "We've invested in heating, roofing, the toilets are a big expense but they're a really important part of school daily life for young people.

"We've added an extension for a nursery in another school.

"There is a variety of things and we have planned it so we get the best value for money we can and maintain schools as well as we can."

Schools in Stafford Borough which will benefit from the improvement scheme:

• All Saints CofE (C) First School: Toilet refurbishment
• Barlaston CofE (VC) First School: Main kitchen improvements and roof repairs/replace
• Berkswich CofE (VC) Primary School: Nursery play area improvements and roof repairs/replace
• Burton Manor Primary School: Toilet refurbishment and entrance barrier and intercom
• Flash Ley Primary School: Repairs to flat roof
• Fulford Primary School: Playground repairs to remove trip hazards
• Marshlands School: Annexe site gate automation
• Oakridge Primary School: Create secure reception lobby
• Pirehill First School: Perimeter fencing and gates to frontage of the school and car park
• Springfields First School: Reconstruct main tarmacadam car park, roof repairs/replace and remedial works to prevent black mould in classroom
• St Leonard's Primary School: Roof repairs/replace
• St Michael's CofE (C) First School: Drainage repairs to playground
• Stafford Manor High School: Roof repairs/replace
• Tittensor CofE (C) First School: Playground repairs to remove trip hazards and roof repairs/replace
• Walton Priory Middle School: Fencing around the pond area