There is a predicted shortfall of school places for local children in Cobham from 2012 and this must be addressed. St Matthew's is a state Infant school that has the space to expand within a beautiful green learning environment, remaining sympathetic to this environment and its community. Our school represents a vital part in the choice available to local parents and in helping to meet the local requirements of the Education Authority and Inspections Act 2006 in regards to diversity and parental choice. Expanding St Matthew's school will enable us to provide a unique, sustainable, quality education for local children. St Matthew's would have a distinctive and recognisably different opportunity to provide a green and special learning environment that helps prepare children for sustainable future with community cohesion. The expansion to include a Junior Department will mean that children and families will no longer be forced to travel elsewhere to complete their Primary Education. Instead they will be able to stay on and learn. The government is explicit in its support for sustainable schools and emphasises the need for schools and local communities to champion sustainable development in ways that suit their context best.