Nearly £1 million in Section 106 funding could be used to create more places for local children at three Wokingham Borough schools. 

The £946,728 would be split between two primaries and a secondary school, if the council’s decision-making executive approves the recommendation on July 26.

The Section 106 monies – sometimes known as developers’ contributions - would help finance the three school projects, with capital funding covering the balance. 

Bearwood Primary School would receive additional classroom accommodation, subject to planning consent. Planning permission has been granted for additional temporary classrooms at Winnersh Primary. 

Work is already well underway constructing the new science block at St Crispin’s School, and it’s hoped the new facilities will be ready for students by December. Some £5.5million in capital funding has been invested by the council into the school, for this work. 

Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for children's services, said: "This is our key priority in Wokingham Borough; to improve the educational attainment of our children and focus on each individual to help them reach their full potential.

"One issue was the need for more school places for all age groups. This Section106 funding will support our existing capital projects, solve a shortfall in local primary places and increase capacity at St Crispin’s to meet demand for that school, as well as enhance learning."

Some £255,714 is being earmarked for Bearwood Primary to go towards the overall £281,000 project cost. The scheme at Winnersh Primary would receive £171,313, with £519,702 being proposed for St Crispin’s School. 

Local government can enter into a Section 106 agreement with a developer where it is necessary to provide contributions to offset negative impacts caused by construction and development. 

These financial contributions are then set aside by the council to help finance schemes that will benefit a community such as building more affordable homes, creating employment training schemes, or in this case funding more school places.

Nearly 30 Section 106 allocations will be considered by the borough council’s executive to finance the three school projects.

These particular grants have been specifically labelled for use only in those schemes that will enhance provision of primary and secondary education.