Major expansion at special school in Spilsby is welcomed

The Standard announced the development at Eresby Special School a year ago, reporting the plans would include a new two-storey building with five classrooms, a science lab and an ICT centre as well as breakout rooms, staff and meeting rooms, a new hall, and changing and toilet facilities.

Lincolnshire County Council have now revealed more details about the development. Under the proposals, the school's capacity will increase by an additional 20 places.

The new block will also include ICT spaces, as well as small group rooms and hygiene facilities and staff and meeting spaces.

The existing school will be remodelled to provide a design/technology and art room, a physiotherapy space, a visiting professional/therapy space, a parents' room, a hygiene suite, a disabled WC and staff/administration spaces.

Coun Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children's services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "We want all local children to get a great start in life, and a good education is key to that.

"That's why we are investing £50m in improving and expanding special schools across the county over the next few years.

"This will be the third project to begin construction, following Boston Endeavour Academy and The Willoughby Academy in Bourne.

"These improvements will ensure all children in the local area are able to receive high quality education as near their family and local community as possible."

Lincolnshire currently sees fewer than 30% of pupils with SEND needs attend their nearest school, with 80 pupils being educated outside of the county.

The authority says this has a negative impact on pupils, including reduced school performance, challenging behaviour, fatigue and poor engagement.

The hope is that with the proposed changes more than 90% of pupils will face shorter journeys county-wide.

Eileen McMorrow, senior project officer, said the development would enable a minimum of 84 pupils at the school.

“The new building will ensure there are appropriate classrooms and specialist teaching spaces for an enhanced educational offer,” she said.

“The primary purpose is to improve and enhance the internal and external spaces to ensure the Eresby school has the facilities to meet all types of specialist educational needs and disabilities

“This development will mean children who live in the Spilsby area, who are attending a specialist school other than Eresby, can access high quality specialist education at their local school rather than having to travel long distances to and from school.”

Eresby Special School is a David Ross Education Trust facility and the authority is working with the trust on the improvements.

The project is expected to cost just over £6.5m. It is hoped that construction will begin in early 2021 and be completed in early 2022.