The council will work with its partners to support the provision of a comprehensive network of educational facilities across the borough. A flexible approach will be taken over the plan period, recognising changing educational needs.

Development proposals for early years, primary, secondary, further, higher and SEND education facilities will be supported where it can be demonstrated that:

the education facilities are required to meet local demands; and

they are in an accessible location, safely served by a choice of sustainable travel options.

Proposals for new educational buildings, the extension of existing educational buildings, or the reuse of buildings for education purposes, must provide access to sufficient land to cater for the outdoor curriculum needs, in particular opportunities for sport and recreation.

Opportunities to make educational facilities available for community use must be provided wherever feasible to do so, particularly sports and recreation facilities.

The provision of biodiverse natural spaces on educational land is encouraged to enable children to learn personal, social and technical skills.

Proposals for development that create a potential increase in demand for early years places and school places will be required to make appropriate provision for early years and educational facilities either on site, or by making a suitable contribution towards new, improved and/or expanded facilities elsewhere. Developer contributions will be required for all school phases age 0-19 years, for special education and disability needs up to 25 years, and pupil referral units, where necessary to meet needs arising from the development.

Where a new primary school is proposed, the council will require provision of facilities to be made for early years, where there is an identified local need.

44) Stockport is committed to ensuring its residents have access to good local schools, colleges, and early years' settings which offer a rich and varied learning experience. The council believes all children have the right to enjoyable, inclusive and expansive education to enable every individual regardless of ability to achieve their full potential and to prepare for future life. Stockport will work in partnership with stakeholders, building on existing relationships, working with education providers to champion the needs of local children, young people and communities;