FENLAND: Referral unit may move to former playing fields

A NEW referral unit for youngsters aged 14 to 16 could be built on former playing fields at the back of a March infant s school and pre-school. Cambridgeshire County Council is considering relocating Fenland Junction to land off Norwood Road on fields be

A NEW referral unit for youngsters aged 14 to 16 could be built on former playing fields at the back of a March infant's school and pre-school.

Cambridgeshire County Council is considering relocating Fenland Junction to land off Norwood Road on fields behind Maple Grove Infants School.

The pre-school has now been given a special briefing on the project after being overlooked by the county council during initial consultations held before Christmas.

Lynda Quince, head teacher of Maple Grove Infants School, said: "Although as an infant school we have limited dealings with the pupil referral unit, we understand the role it plays in the local education system. I have met with a member of the BSF team to hear what is envisaged on the playing fields behind our school. Further meetings are planned."

Fenland Junction, which caters for around 40 students who are in danger of exclusion from mainstream schools in Fenland, is currently housed in the old March Grammar School building in Station road, March.

The planned move is one of six projects included in the Building Schools for the Future schemes.

Alan Kippax, programme director, Building Schools for the Future, said: "We held a public consultation event before Christmas to which local residents and stakeholders, including local primary and secondary schools, were invited to hear about and discuss our early plans for the new PRU and the surrounding land.

"We have also issued a newsletter to all schools in Fenland about the six Building Schools for the Future projects in Fenland and we will be making sure local schools, governors and residents are kept fully informed about individual schemes and proposals before any planning applications are submitted.