Boston Endeavour Academy boasts 16 new classrooms, and specialist teaching spaces for science, technology, ICT and art.Previously known as the John Fielding Special School, the new facility can now more than double its intake of pupils, from 63 at the old site, to 140.
Situated in Kitwood Road, the new school also benefits from a hydrotherapy pool, sensory and soft play rooms and dedicated therapy spaces. Outside, there are hard and soft-surfaced play areas, a sensory garden and wildlife areas.The official opening took place on Friday morning with Coun Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive councillor for children’s cervices at Lincolnshire County Council cutting the ribbon, while children enjoyed special guests – the ‘Ghostbusters’.
She said: "This new £13.2m school will ensure all children in the local area are able to receive a high-quality education as near their family and local community as possible. It will make a life-changing difference to pupils and their families – both now and in the future.”
Peter Bell, CEO for the Community Inclusive Trust, said: “Boston Endeavour school community and CIT will be forever indebted to Lincolnshire County Council for investing in and building such a wonderful facility to meet the needs of our pupils. I would also like to thank everybody else who was involved in making this dream come true.”
Head Teacher Richard Gamman added: “So many aspects of this school have transformed the educational experience for our pupils. The design of the building enables us to come together as a whole school but also have dedicated areas for the different ages and special educational needs of the pupils.
“Brilliantly designed features such as every ground floor class having an outdoor area and acoustic boards suppressing sound have helped our pupils more than I could ever have imagined. We now have everything we need to achieve our school mission of helping our pupils to become happy and fully included members of their community."
Pupils, which range in age from two to 19 years, have severe learning difficulties. Some also have an autistic spectrum disorder, epilepsy, a physical disability, sensory impairment, medical needs and/or a communication difficulty.
She said: "This new £13.2m school will ensure all children in the local area are able to receive a high-quality education as near their family and local community as possible. It will make a life-changing difference to pupils and their families – both now and in the future.”
5. Meet the Ghostbusters
'Who ya gonna call?' - Pupils meet the Ghostbusters at the official opening of their new school in Boston. Photo: John Aron
6. New endeavours
Pictured with the new school plaque are Coun Patricia Bradshaw portfolio holder for Children's services at Lincolnshire County Council, Peter Bell CEO Community Inclusive Trust, Matt Warman MP for Boston and Skegness, Aaron Bloodworth-Flat deputy head, and pupil Elijah Hawkins. Photo: John Aron
7. Caring staff
A staff member with one of the pupils at the official opening of the new school. Photo: John Aron
8. Pupils' readings
Children form Bubble bees Class read a peom and welcome the visitors Photo: John Aron