Schools across Stone, and nearby villages, are set for improvement works as part of Staffordshire County Council’s £27 million school maintenance programme for 2026/27.
The local schools included in the investment list approved by cabinet on Wednesday 15 April are Walton Priory Middle School, St Michael’s CofE First School, Pirehill First School, Springfields First School, Tittensor CofE First School, Barlaston CofE First School and Fulford Primary School.
Across Staffordshire, more than 60 schools are due to benefit from works ranging from toilet refurbishments and playground repairs to roofing, drainage, fencing and insulation upgrades.
Among the local schools listed, Walton Priory Middle School is due to have fencing installed around the pond area.
St Michael’s CofE First School is set for drainage repairs to the playground, while Pirehill First School is due to have perimeter fencing and gates installed at the frontage of the school and car park.
At Springfields First School, the programme includes reconstruction of the main tarmacadam car park, roof repairs or replacement, and remedial works to prevent black mould in a classroom.
Tittensor CofE First School is listed for playground repairs to remove trip hazards, alongside roof repairs or replacement.
Barlaston CofE First School is due to receive main kitchen improvements and roof repairs or replacement, while Fulford Primary School is set for playground repairs aimed at removing trip hazards.
Councillor Janet Higgins, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for education and SEND, 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.
“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.”
During the cabinet meeting, Councillor Marie Shortland asked what benefits toilet refurbishment brings.
Councillor Higgins said
“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.”
Councillor Andrew Mynors also asked where the money was being spent and what the main challenges facing schools were.
Councillor Higgins said she had visited a school where the floor was uneven, prompting safety investment, and added that spending had also gone towards heating, roofing, toilet upgrades and nursery expansion work elsewhere in the county.
The county council said the programme would be reviewed once final government maintenance funding is confirmed.
