(UK) Keynsham: Vacant building to become special school
- 6 hours ago
- 1 min read
A new special school could soon be established in Keynsham in a vacant building which was formerly a problem care home.
Thirty children with special educational needs and disabilities could attend school in the building which was once Charlton House Care Home. The large building, which adjoins the separate Hawthorn Care Home, has been vacant for two years. . . . .
Now that is almost set to become a reality, with the council’s planning committee to vote on whether to grant planning permission for the scheme.
A statement submitted with the planning application said: “The redevelopment of the vacant Charlton House, a modern former care home in Keynsham, will create a high-quality and inclusive educational environment, allowing pupils to remain within their community while reducing reliance on costly out-of-area placements.”
A shortage of special schools in the Bath area means the council is spending £10m a year to transport children with special educational needs and disabilities to schools as far away as northern Oxfordshire. The new school will include specialist classrooms, therapy and sensory spaces, and “calm breakout spaces.”
In addition to the 30 places at the day school, the first floor will be converted into two self-contained children’s homes. Both homes will house four children with their own kitchen and dining room, lounge, and staff accommodation.
The council’s planning officers have recommended that the plans be approved.
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