Local authority approves plan that will enable Villa Real School to expand its provision for pupils aged two to 19 with complex educational needs
A school in Durham that currently provides specialist support for more than 120 pupils with severe, profound, medical and complex learning difficulties is to get a brand-new building, after the county council approved a £26m plan.
Photo by Josue Isai Ramos Figueroa / Unsplash
The council says that the rebuilt premises will enable the school to increase capacity and support for children and young people in the region, with up-to-date facilities better designed to meet needs.
As we’ve reported, there’s increasing demand across the country for alternative provision for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), while local authorities are also faced without mounting financial pressures. Earlier this week, the government announced plans to clear 90% of SEND-related debts built up by councils in the past few years.
The investment for the new school in Durham has been allocated within the county council’s medium-term financial plan (MTFP), subject to formal approval by the cabinet on February, 18.
The plans for the new building are still in the early stages, with even the location yet to be determined.
Jill Bowe, Head Teacher at Villa Real School, says: ‘We have been seeking ways to secure funding for a new school for several years, so our pupils can have the best provision to meet their needs. We are absolutely delighted that a new state of the art building will now be in process. Our pupils, staff and families are so happy with the news.’
Cllr Cathy Hunt, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services at Durham County Council, adds: ‘As part of our declared “care emergency”, we made a commitment as a cabinet to invest in the services that are vital to our communities. Currently, Villa Real School is operating from a building with outdated facilities which limits capacity for the number of pupils it can support. This school provides support for children and young people with some of the highest needs, so a new building would be invaluable.
‘We’re thrilled to take the first step today by agreeing to proposals to invest in Villa Real School. I’m sure this will also be a welcome announcement for families, to know that their children can go to school in a brand-new facility that is tailored to meet their needs.’
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