£165m for schools building work

Some school buildings are in a shocking state according to a teaching union

A £165m fund to build new schools and repair existing sites has been announced.

The assembly government money will be spread across schools and colleges and will include developing purpose-built special educational needs centres.

Some money will be used to modernise further education premises and improve buildings' energy efficiency.

NUT Cymru secretary David Evans welcomed the news, saying some buildings were in a "shocking state".

Education minister Jane Hutt said: "The £165m in capital investment will have a huge impact on our schools and FEIs, ensuring that our young people will be learning in educational facilities that are modern and fit for purpose in the 21st Century.

"This specifically targeted capital investment will allow local authorities and colleges to progress with their reorganisation programmes, creating learning institutions that inspire while helping fulfil one of our key One Wales objectives."

White elephants

Ms Hutt will visit Cefn Hengoed Community School in Swansea which is receiving an £8m grant from the Welsh assembly government towards refurbishment works costing £9.5m.

One project receiving over £17m of funding will see 10 primary schools in the Maesydderwen High catchment area in Ystradgynlais replaced with four new community primary schools, one of which would be Welsh medium.

Some schools currently have peeling paint and damp walls

Deputy Minister for Skills, John Griffiths, said: "This capital funding, of which over £18m is designated for post-16 Education, will be crucial in delivering our Transformation agenda.

"We want to see FEIs delivering positive learning choices for young people, in facilities which are both technologically advanced and environmentally sound. This substantial funding will go a long way in achieving that goal."

The Universities and Colleges Union (UCU), which warned that hundreds of jobs were at risk in higher and further education, said it welcomed any increases in funding for the post-16 sector.

However, UCU chair Peter Jones added: "Capital expenditure has its place, but in the face of those redundancies and slashing of courses, Wales UCU Cymru remains sceptical about the need to replace buildings, when it is people's jobs that are on the line.

"Of course, all students should have a learning experience which takes place in 21st Century surroundings, but, if there are too few staff to deliver courses, they might as well be white elephants.

"The planned expenditure for post-16 includes schools and colleges, and I can't help but think that the money would be better spent on securing the jobs of lecturing and support staff."