COMMUNICATION is key to the relationship between the three schools involved in Clifton Diocese’s new build in Queens Drive, according to the man in the middle, Peter Bradshaw.

Swindon Council granted the diocese and Holy Rood Catholic Junior School planning permission for the new school in July, after plans were initially submitted in April 2013.

Development of the site at the playing fields in St Joseph’s Catholic College has begun, with children expected on-site in September next year.

Holy Rood, which has now been renamed Holy Cross, plans initially to send only its reception year group to the new site, with existing year three, four and five pupils remaining at Upham Road.

As Holy Cross gradually ships its children on to secondary education at St Joseph’s, Holy Rood Catholic Infant School, soon to be a primary school, will move pupils from Groundwell Road to Upham Road.

Mr Bradshaw, an associate of the diocese, has been installed to oversee the changes and ensure any problems in transition are nipped in the bud.

“I have been called the honest broker between the three schools,” he said.

“I became involved in January and began attending regular meetings with each of the schools and chairs of governing bodies.

“I am trying to put together arrangements which will ensure parents and pupils’ concerns are considered and dealt with to minimise disruption.

“It’s being sure that all parties involved are clear about the arrangements which will be put in place for the shared use of the Upham Road site for up to three years.

“To that effect I have drafted agreements for each of the governing bodies, which I will be taking to them in the autumn.

“They will comment on these and we can polish them to make sure everything is in place as the shared use begins.”

Mr Bradshaw is no longer a full-time employee of Clifton Diocese, though he was once director of schools, during which time he oversaw several split-site school projects.

The biggest he can remember involved a secondary school in Cheltenham, which was a £24m project.

He said there would be a clear separation between Holy Cross and Holy Rood pupils when they began to share the Upham Road site.

There are plans for separate entrances as well as defined, separated use of facilities and activities. Sharing would not be out of the question, however.

When the new site in Queens Drive is finished next September it will hold seven full year groups, but only reception and year one pupils will occupy it at first.

This gradual migration to Queens Drive for Holy Cross will be a blessing, according to Mr Bradshaw.

“I don’t see that being an issue. Split-site schools are not unusual in this situation,” he said.

“Those first children on the new site will have a protective and specialist, purpose-built environment, which they can get used to and grow into.

“It also means management don’t have to rush to get everything in place for day one. Resources can be built up as the pupil numbers build.”