To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families when he expects building work under the primary strategy for change programme to commence; and if he will make a statement. (259486)

The 23 pathfinder authorities have already started work on their exemplar projects. We expect most to be completed by the end of this year. The programme is being rolled out nationally from April 2009. Early indications are encouraging. My statement of 12 November 2008, Official Report, column 56WS, confirmed that 133 strategies for change have already been either fully approved or approved with modification, enabling the Department to confirm 2009-10 funding for around 90 per cent. of eligible authorities. Local authorities collectively have reported that they are planning to start projects at more than 1,500 schools over the three year period 2008-11.