(UK) Durham Co Council plans for 180 place special school
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
A specialist school providing 180 additional places for children with special educational needs is set to open.
Durham County Council is planning a major redevelopment of the former Fyndoune Community College site in Sacriston as part of its investment in specialist education.
The new facility will cater for pupils with special educational and medical needs, including secondary school-aged children who require additional support.
A pre-application for the redevelopment has now been submitted to the council, with letters to be delivered to nearby residents from Monday, August 17.
The council said the revamped site would provide a "dedicated, high-quality specialist educational curriculum" designed to prepare young people for life in their local communities.
Councillor Cathy Hunt, the authority's cabinet member for children and young people's services, welcomed the plans.
She said: "We are delighted that plans are in place to redevelop Fyndoune. . . .
"The redevelopment of Fyndoune will allow for secondary pupils with additional needs to stay closer to home, as well as supporting those across the county who are unable to attend school for medical reasons, to make the transition back into mainstream school." . . .
Among the investments is £33.5 million [$45M] in special educational school provision, including a £13.5 million [$18M] investment in new facilities at Fyndoune and £26 million [$35M] for a new special school at Villa Real, Consett. There are also plans to invest £7 million [$9.4M] towards Durham Cares, aimed at alleviating pressures on children’s services.
A public consultation event will be held in the school hall at Fyndoune on Thursday, August 27.
The event, which will take place between 4pm and 7pm, will feature a display of the proposed plans.
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