(UK) Isle of Wight: Special school for "most complex" needs proposed
A former school site could house extra accommodation for children with the most complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) on the Isle of Wight.
County Hall has submitted a proposal for a link building and associated external works to provide suitable provisions for increased SEND facilities at the old Barton Primary School on Green Street in Newport.
An expansion of places at the town’s Medina House School from 168 to 204 was given the go-ahead by the children’s services, education and skills committee on July 2.
The council plans to site this extra provision at the former primary from September 2027, an approach it says will make effective use of existing educational infrastructure.
Senior officer Jade Kennett said the additional capacity will help ensure more children with complex needs can access appropriate education closer to home, reducing reliance on costly off-Island placements and supporting better outcomes for children and families.
The expansion will provide ‘modern, purpose-designed’ accommodation capable of meeting complicated educational, sensory and behavioural needs both now and in the future, she said.
County Hall’s agent, ERMC, said no change of use is proposed and that the project delivers the revitalisation of currently disused school buildings.
No significant changes are proposed to the external elevations of the former Barton school or the detached ‘cottage’ building, according to the consultancy.
The new link structure is key to making the two buildings function together and the wider site layout is broadly unaltered, it said.
An Isle of Wight Council public consultation on application 26/01133/FUL runs until October 9 and a decision is due on November 4.
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