Sept 28, 2021, Kirklees Together News: £36MILLION [$49M U.S.] OF INVESTMENT PLANNED FOR KIRKLEES SPECIAL SCHOOLS HTTPS://KIRKLEESTOGETHER.CO.UK/2021/09/28/36MILLION-OF-INVESTMENT-PLANNED-FOR-KIRKLEES-SPECIAL-SCHOOLS/
North central England
We are putting forward exciting new proposals for special school provision in the district.
What would the plans involve?
The plans would involve a massive investment of £36million by rebuilding two schools – Joseph Norton Academy and Woodley School and College – which both cater for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)….
It is a major council priority for children and young people to have the best start in life and for vulnerable learners to attend good-quality, local schools….
There is a growing demand for special school places in Kirklees and we must ensure this demand can be met in the future. Relocating these two schools, and providing brand-new facilities at a cost of £36million, would provide a wonderful opportunity….
Following a detailed study, the Deighton site was identified as a strong location for a new school as it is central, well suited to a special school and has scope to meet the demand for places. The site is in Deighton Road and used to be the home of Deighton High School and the Deighton Centre.
The proposed new building would offer places for up to 132 pupils with SEMH (aged 5 to 16 and with the option of exploring post-16 places)….
Woodley School and College
The school, which is currently based in Longley, caters for pupils with Communication and Interaction/Autism Needs. There are many constraints on the site due to its size, location and the nature of the buildings.
A site in Fernside Avenue, Almondbury, was identified as a strong location because it holds the potential to offer a stimulating, safe and calming environment and meet a broad range of disabled children’s needs.
It is currently being used as an extra site for King James’s School but is expected to be vacant in 2022. The proposal is to demolish the existing buildings, with the possible exception of the swimming pool and sports hall, and build a new school for Woodley with up to 179 places for pupils (aged 5 to 18) with Communication and Interaction/Autism Needs.
Comments