Steve Docking, of North West Academies, released the following statement on behalf of St Martin’s Academy.
He said: “The debate around the school has not once mentioned our core purpose or that of any school, which is about the delivery of outstanding education for local children.
“With this commitment to the local community in mind, I feel we must finally dispel the misinformation surrounding the use Alexandra Park.
“St Martin’s Academy school children will not use the park as an extended playground at anytime whatsoever.
“As published on the planning portal, those who believe this are completely misinformed and furthermore, anyone who knows anything about education and safeguarding would also know this simply couldn't be true.
“Subject to planning approval the gate from St Martin’s will be open for 15 minutes at the start of the day and 15 minutes at the end of the day to allow children exit and entrance to the school.
“This will only be for school years Reception to Year 4, the older children will use the exit at the front of the school.
“As a Hoole resident and father of two children who love using the Alexandra Park, it has been disappointing that posters have appeared in the park claiming that St Martin’s School children will have cordoned off areas and will take over this park from the residents of Hoole. This is completely without substance.
“In addition to this, the size of the school site has been an issue to a number of objectors but, significantly, not to the parents who have or will continue to choose the school.
“Our school more than meets the statutory guidance within the ISA regulations which are available online. The site is big enough to house a purpose-built school, up to 15 staff and 175 pupils built up over the next seven years and will allow us enough space to teach PE both indoor and outdoor.
“We will, however, hire specialist sport facilities when the need arises to promote excellence in sport. An example of this will be our swimming programme and children will swim every week from Reception.
“And finally, Hoole Road and parking. Our school will produce a maximum of 49 additional cars at pick up and drop off once full in seven years time. This has been calculated by JMP, experienced travel consultants.
“This will have minimal impact upon traffic flow and parking within the area and will not create the sudden influx of 175 cars that has been described in leaflet drops and through the planning portal.”
St Martin’s Academy is planning to reveal shortly what contingency plans it will put in place following the setback earlier this month when permission for a mobile classroom was refused.
