(UK) Lostock Hall: Special school for 168 students/77 staff nearly completed
A major milestone has been achieved at a new special school under construction in Lostock Hall. . . .
The new purpose-built facility, delivered via the Department for Education’s (DfE) School Rebuilding Programme in partnership with contractors Tilbury Douglas, will soon provide a cutting-edge environment carefully tailored around the sensory and accessibility needs of its learners.
It will accomodate up to 168 students and 77 staff, with key features of the new build including: . . .
Those are for the council-maintained schools but there are also consultations for specialist provision at academy-led schools in the council area.
Walney School in Barrow, run by Furness Education Trust (FET), could bring in 25 places for children with SLCN and autism needs, and ‘is with the Department for Education for approval’.
Also FET-run Furness Academy could see 12 places brought in for children with SEMH and emotionally-based school avoidance needs.
Cumbria Education Trust’s Queen Katherine School in Kendal could see 12 places for children with autism and SLCN needs.
The proposals were discussed at the Liberal Democrat cabinet meeting on October 13.
Councillor Janet Battye, cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills, introduced the item before debate started.
Councillor Adrian Waite, cabinet member for environmental services and transport, seconded the proposals, saying: “(The proposal) expands educational opportunities for children with additional needs, supports greater inclusion within mainstream settings, and reduces reliance on more expensive independent and out-of-area provision.
“The report identifies indicative cumulative savings of over £1 million by the end of 2029/30, alongside potential reductions in transport costs when more children can be educated closer to home.” . . .
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