School Places 

Cllr Valerie Metcalfe is pleased to report to you that permission has now been granted for St John’s C of E School to make significant alterations and extensions to their buildings in order to accommodate another 15 children a year – which means that the overall capacity of the School will increase by 105 pupils over the 7 years of their schooling.

With Buckhurst Hill County Primary School also now about to take an extra 15 pupils a year, we have significantly increased the capacity at Primary School level. This won’t necessarily solve all the problems overnight but it is definitely going to help local parents find school places in Buckhurst Hill.

Essex County Council Newsletter – June 2011  from Essex County Councillor Valerie Metcalfe.

please take time to read my report and let me know your views as I am keen to have your feedback on what concern's you and your area.

FUNDS FROM ESSEX COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
I have managed to secure a grant of £2500 towards supporting our local Home Start service. This voluntary organisation aims to provide support, friendship and practical assistance for families who are experiencing difficulties, where there is at least one child under the age of 5. They work in prevention and intervention to give children a better start in life and last year there were 43 volunteers who helped some 60 families in our area.

NATIONAL CENSUS DAY - SUNDAY, 27 MARCH 2011
Please help us to get an accurate picture of our community by filling in your form  shortly for National Census Day! This will make sure that we design and provide the services that meet the needs of our residents, and that we get the right allocation of funding from central government. This time round it can be completed on-line and is secure and straightforward......and just to let you know, information collected by the Census is kept confidential for 100 years and is protected by law!

Essex County Council Newsletter – October 2010

As I write this copy for our October newsletter, I am very aware that we are all waiting for the Government’s announcements regarding public spending and government grants to local authorities. Nearly everyone understands that the country is practically bankrupt with unrealistic spending by the previous government and pledges it made with no means left to pay for anything.  I think we all recognise that there have to be choices made about where money is spent and we have to try to make sure that we get value for money and still do our utmost to protect essential services and the most vulnerable in our society. click on the read more link to view the full report on Planning, Saving Money,Council Care,Highways,Re-cycling & Democracy. read more