Forum Topic

New School

Has anyone else heard that Ark are building a  new school in Acton, due to open in Sept?On the land/yard behind Acton park lodge.I only found out because my friend is desperately searching for a Reception place for her child and told me about it. Neither of us could place where it was going to be, so she knocked on the lodge door the other day and asked. I don't see how it is possible to have it ready in just over 4 months!

Apple Leiper ● 3927d47 Comments

Presumably it is a breach of their planning conditions.I expect they will be using their summer holidays to sort it out.Schools in Ealing were given until this summer to get them done.https://www.egfl.org.uk/news/2018/05/stars-surgeries-summer-term-2018-help-schools-prepare-stars-accreditationI would expect it to be easier to get a plan accredited than risk a sanction.

Paul Webster ● 2744d

But the school is there and flourishing - so what difference does this make?

Sara Nathan ● 2744d

The Decision Notice has now appeared on the council site (was not there when I checked earlier today).It says:1 The submitted School Travel Plan does not demonstrate STARS accreditation has been achieved, thus, does not adequately address the condition. In the absence of sufficient details, the Council could not be satisfied that the School Travel Plan would sufficiently encourage and enable sustainable travel modes to and from the school in accordance with Policies 6.9, 6.10 and 6.11 of the London Plan and Policy 1.1 of the Ealing Development (Core) Strategy and Ealing's Sustainable Transport for New Development Supplementary Planning Document.

Paul Webster ● 2748d

Maybe they read the article on Academy Schools in the Observer last Sunday.

Libby Kemp ● 2748d

... later ....the submitted plan appears to have been refused on 25th July 2018https://pam.ealing.gov.uk/online-applications/centralDistribution.do?caseType=Application&keyVal=P2CC6JJMJKW00

Paul Webster ● 2749d

I asked the council why the consultation results were not on the web site. I had a response to say that they were held back until the election was over.Exact wording was: "due to election restrictions, results were not submitted to the council's web team for publications as it needed discussions and approval with senior officers and ward members affected"Also:"After reviewing the comments received from residents and also concerns raised by the resident group in the Southfield area:- we (officers) have resolved not to go ahead with option 2 (pedestrian refuge crossing) for the Churchfield Road scheme now pending further safety audit;- to revisit the concerns raised by Southfield residents after the elections because they were outside the scope of the current scheme. This also requires further discussions with London Buses/Transport for London (on bus stop relocation) and the Metropolitan Police to help with speeding issues reported;- the parking amendments on Birkbeck Grove/Mansell Road is being advertised in the gazette due to the positive outcome from the consultation;- we are also going ahead with the option 1 pedestrian refuge crossing on Churchfield Road;The results for the public consultation will be sent to the web team for publication once formally approved and will then be available to members of the public."

Paul Webster ● 2819d

Thank you Paul. Not many check the London Gazette. Anyone living or working or just passing by the new school see a notice to this effect?

Maire Lowe ● 2825d

Well, it's a way of ensuring there are no objections, just as there was in keeping the whole school project as secret as possible for as long as possible.

Claire Moran ● 2825d

I spotted an entry in the London Gazette for the road changes.https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/3012890"2. The general effect of the Residents Parking Place Order would be to extend a parking place in Birkbeck Grove by 3.2 metres.3. The general effect of the Free Parking Place Order would be to convert existing permit holder bays in Birkbeck Grove and Mansell Road (near the junction with The Vale) to dual use permit holder/ free limited time bays operating between 9.30am and 5.30pm on Mondays to Fridays for K/K1 permit holders or between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on Mondays to Fridays for parking by non–permit holders with a maximum stay of 30 minutes with no return permitted for 1 hour.4. The general effect of the Loading Places Order would be to relocate the loading place in Churchfield Road outside No.2 by 2 metres west. The loading place which would be available only for the loading or unloading of vehicles would continue to operate from 7am to 7pm Mondays to Fridays.5. The general effect of the Waiting Restriction Order would be to amend existing waiting restrictions to apply at any time in Churchfield Road in the extended paved area next to Goldsmith Road."I have just written to the council to ask where the results of the consultation are ... and indeed the consultation itself does not appear under "Past Consultations" or "Current Consultations".Original consultation is on the site athttps://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201042/current_consultations/2382/ark_byron_school_safety_improvements_consultation/1but not linked to.Note:"8. Any objections or other representations about any of the proposed Orders should be sent in writing by e-mail to Highwayservices@ealing.gov.uk or by post to Highways Service, Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road W5 2HL, quoting reference ORD 4111 until the 15th May 2018. All objections must specify the grounds on which they are made."

Paul Webster ● 2833d

I think it's just reception and year 1 at the moment

Apple Leiper ● 2899d

Yup - tomorrow is the first day in the new school.Will be interesting to see how everyone arrives.Though I expect this is only a couple of years worth of kiddies - the school wont be full for some time, will it?

Sara Nathan ● 2899d

Staff only are in to get everything ready. Pupils start there on Monday (they got an extra week off school after the half term.)

Apple Leiper ● 2901d

No - I thought it was opening this week but all is quiet

Chris Hurley ● 2903d

The school doesn't seem to be open yet as everyone wearing a Byron uniform is still going to the Ark site.

Apple Leiper ● 2903d

Anyone go to the ward meeting, which unfortunately I missed?Were the Ark/parking  proposals discussed?Are There minutes?

Jeremy Beckett ● 2903d

It is athttps://pam.ealing.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=P2CC6JJMJKW00You will see that the recently submitted plan ihas an old date and there is a covering letter that explains that they intend to stick to the old plan.Needs careful reading to compare with what is now being said in the consultation.

Paul Webster ● 2923d

I must of missed something, can someone point me in the direction of the school's travel plan? Many thanks

Libby Kemp ● 2924d

I guess they had to think of an address for the school so they invented "Vale Lane"!

Chris Hurley ● 2924d

Yes we have the glossy brochure and from it realize that yes, Birkbeck Grove (and Mansell Rd) is indeed going to be the school's morning car park, as feared, as our parking restrictions don't kick in till 9.30. They have added a few extra spaces at the Uxbridge Rd end of the street but let's see how those cater for what looks like a huge drop-off situation from the size of the school. I agree it is bonkers not to consult the neighbouring community until the school is imminently to open.

Cathy Johns ● 2924d

Not as odd as not doing it at all.

Maire Lowe ● 2924d

Acton Lane is the location of the pre-existing Ark school that is currently hosting the group that will move to the new school.I just had a look at the consultation and found it odd that they do not show the existing zebra crossing on Churchfield Road.Seems odd to be doing the consultation now - just before the school opens.

Paul Webster ● 2924d

Just arrived home to a glossy brochure headed Ark Byron School Road Safety Improvements with various possibilities outlined. You can see it here: https://www.ealing.gov.uk/arkbyronTwo things I don't understand - one it says the school opened in Jan 2018 - I thought it was opening in February? Also the address given for the school is Vale Lane - which I have never heard of. The consultation ends on 23 Feb - which I think is after the school opens which I think is 19 Feb?

Chris Hurley ● 2924d

There was a letter from the school published on Ealing planning web site recently to confirm that their traffic plan from a couple of years ago is the one that they are sticking with (for now at least).

Paul Webster ● 2927d

there was a consultation when planning permission was granted - and it did involve traffic. The idea was walking to school (of course) but parking available for drop off in East Churchfield Road rather than at the bottom IIRC

Sara Nathan ● 2927d

The catchment area is supposedly 0.226m. Hardly time for an engine to warm up?

Libby Kemp ● 2928d

Great idea

Jacky Darville ● 2937d

Nope, Maire!

Cathy Johns ● 2937d

Has anyone seen any traffic plan for the area (required of the two independent schools seeking planning permission recently) Or any kind of consultation? Anything?

Maire Lowe ● 2937d

8am would scupper people like my nephew who parks his car in Mansell Road as he leaves at 8.20 and comes home after 6, it works well for him at present. But yes maybe move it to 8.30?

Chris Hurley ● 2937d

We expect lots of drop-off parking and traffic issues in our street, which is directly opposite the bus stop side of the school.Our parking restrictions at the moment start at 9. As for noise, let's see, but it isn't looking good for immediate neighbours. Of course people will bring kids by car, despite a million reasons why this is a bad idea environmentally and health-wise. Maybe if our parking restriction is altered to 8am  and there are no potential slots they will be discouraged and walk or come by bike!! (Yay.)And don't get me started on the hideous industrial-scale football pitch lighting they've installed around the building. Ugly and depressing.

Cathy Johns ● 2937d

And there has been nothing done about shielding the neighbours from playground noise by banking or planting.Generally I am sceptical about neighbours saying schools are very noisy as they know there is a school when they move to the new house/flat.But in this case, the neighbours were there first. And the school plan is very recent and went through planning speedily.I have written to the new headmistress suggesting she engage the Bryant Court residents in some sort of "old people's home for 4 year olds" scheme, which might pre-empt some strains. I wonder if she will reply.

Sara Nathan ● 2940d

I am a bit doubtful about those answers Chris as I am sure you are! A long walk in a dark and stormy park for 5 yr olds? and many parents will wish to drop their precious offspring off by car, especially if enroute to work. I know I did! If there is no gate at the Park keepers house the nearest alternative will be Central Avenue. I predict a riot!!

Iain Muir ● 2940d

I raised this very point with the developers ages ago as I was concerned about cars stopping at the bus stop and their response - unless my memory is wrong - was that a) the main entrance would be at the other end ie the Churchfield Road end and b) they didn't expect many kids to be brought by car....

Chris Hurley ● 2941d

I think there might be big issues if parents want to drop/pick up their children in cars, especially if numbers increase

Jeremy Beckett ● 2941d

Found the answer - 19th February 2018.No wonder they are working weekends!

Sara Nathan ● 2941d

Last update a very long time ago...But the school in the park looks as if the finishing touches are being made. There are whiteboards on the walls and chairs in the classrooms.Any one know when the children are due to move in there?

Sara Nathan ● 2941d

Have been dealing with applications for the new Ark Byron school and without doubt there is sufficient demand for this new school.  As previously posted the new school will share the Priory site and move in a year all being well.  Currently Ark Priory I believe has been in existence for 3 or 4 years so is only part filled (ie reception to year 3) as new schools infill from reception.  I have been told that the Ark Byron reception class will be on the ground floor of the 2 storey Ark Priory building for 2015-16, but that Byron will have its on own Head in the future new build. Hope this is helpful.

Christine Siobhsn Oktay ● 3923d

Shame that Goves little ideological experiment which was based on the Swedish model is falling apart. What a waste of money.

Jeremy Beckett ● 3924d

I for one would not object to this. I think it is great place for a school and better than yet more high rise luxury flats for foreign investors. Let the community benefit from this location rather than the money men.

Kim Rugg ● 3924d

My neighbour - who has kids at Ark primary - says the new school will be co-sited with the existing one for its first year. So opening September 15 and moving a year later.

Sara Nathan ● 3925d

More primary places in Acton and Southall - Ealing Council http://www.ealing.gov.uk/news/article/1183/more_primary_places_in_acton_and_southall

Apple Leiper ● 3927d

Welcome to Ark Byron Primary Academy | Ark Byron Primary Academy http://arkbyron.org/news/welcome-ark-byron-primary-academy

Apple Leiper ● 3927d

Its going to be 2 form entry. Definitely says due to open sept 2015, with the same headteacher as Ark Priory. Seems a very strange place to build a school.

Apple Leiper ● 3927d

My mum lives in Bryant Court - which is the nearest residential neighbours - at about ten paces away - and there has been no consultation so far so I  imagine there can't be planning permission yet.Or don't local residents get consulted on building developments next door any more?

Sara Nathan ● 3927d

I think the new school, Ark Byron, will be temporarily housed at Ark Priory until their building is complete.

Aimee Morgans ● 3927d

Its mentioned on the council website and also Arks website too. Waiting list for reception places already and its not even built.

Apple Leiper ● 3927d

I heard a rumour about this two months ago but nothing since. I will ask or y o u could check with the Council tomorrow.

Maire Lowe ● 3927d