This situation would have been difficult enough to cope with in the short term, given the patchy nature of existing facilities especially for the over elevens, but couple it with the post World War Two rise in birth-rate and add the chronic shortage of skilled labour and materials (many of which, like steel, were still rationed), and it becomes obvious that the task of providing a place for all children was a monumental one, which would need careful planning.

To this and, the Act also required Local Education Authorities to draw up a Development Plan after assessing the needs in their areas. To build a new school the LEA had to judge each case on its merit and draw up a list of priorities based on greatest educational need.

This list was then submitted to the Ministry of Education for approval. This approval was based on the availability of labour and materials and specific criteria, such as high local birth rate or new housing developments, which created urgent need. The story of Brookmans Park Primary School gives a good example of how this process operated in reality.

Lilian Caras - first published 1983 (Revised May 2000)

Index - The history of Brookmans Park School
Chapter One - Before Brookmans Park School was built
Chapter Two - The Case for a Primary School in Brookmans Park
Chapter Three - Conditions in Local Schools Deteriorate
Chapter Four - Change of site for the new school
Chapter Five - The cost of the school
Chapter Six - School extended and swimming pool built
Chapter Seven - Hertfordshire School Building Programme a Success