Applecroft Nursery

8.43.09am GMT Thu 5th Feb 2009

Councillor Malcolm Cowan (right) with Vicky Parsey, and chair of governors, Rob Andrew.

Ofsted have recently rated Applecroft school as 'outstanding' for its teaching and leadership. But the nursery building is far from outstanding - indeed Ofsted rated it as 'not fit for purpose' 3 years ago. And as a 'temporary' building, its planning consent ran out in 2002 !

Local Liberal Democrat County Councillor Malcolm Cowan has been working with the school to try to get a new purpose-built Nursery. 'This has been a struggle for 4 years. There is a massive history of delay and a failure to communicate with the school by the Tory county council' says Malcolm. 'I am quite astonished at the complacency of those in charge'.

'The nursery has mould growing on the walls which the staff have to deal with. The floors keep moving so doors have to be reshaped. The space available is insufficient.'

'The head and governors at Applecroft have used up countless man-hours trying to get some progress, and I have been with them to County Hall to try to get some momentum. We get the show back on the road, but then it gets stalled again. The latest review puts it bottom of all the school building projects in the county, along with ones just to improve staff facilities, which is appalling.

'I have asked the Conservative councillor in charge of education to come to see for himself, but he has failed to put in an appearance. Just not good enough' says Malcolm. If you are concerned, can I suggest you write to Cllr Keith Emsall, County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8DQ.'