May 20, 2021, Fakenham and Wells Times: New school starts hiring as steel frame is installed https://www.fakenhamtimes.co.uk/news/education/fakenham-school-begins-hiring-7980500?fbclid=IwAR1MbdMbKEgBUeUUCfj7cMyLetp2erDAcf9qOANmu0ET_sJA4cOB0BVF12o
(E. coast England)
The development of a new Norfolk special school school has taken another step forward with its steel frame in place and staff being hired.
The new school, recently named Duke of Lancaster, is being built on the former Fakenham College Sixth Form site by Norfolk County Council as part of its £120 million [$170M US] programme to transform special education.
The frame installed by RG Carter, the contractor, is another step towards completion after they laid the foundations on-site in January, with plans to open the school in January 2022….
Mr Chapman said: “It is fantastic to see the progress of the build and to be able to start recruiting staff.
“We have been delighted by the welcome in the community and the response from prospective parents.”
The new facility will provide a modern specialist learning environment for up to 100 children and young people, aged between five and 16, with autism and complex communication and interaction needs.
The Duke of Lancaster is part of Norfolk County Council’s plan to transform special educational needs in Norfolk, hoping to address the ever-increasing demand for specialist teaching and help reduce travel times for students who require support
Alex Mackay, construction director at RG Carter, said: “We are delighted to be part of the wider vision of SEN expansion in Norfolk with the provision of a high-quality building to serve the needs of the local community….
