Refurbished site creates more SEND school spaces

Councillor Sam Redfern (far right) joined school leaders, governors, pupils, parents and carers for the official opening of The Orchard on Friday by students Meyra, Ashton and Szymon

Students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have started the academic year in a newly refurbished building in Long Eaton.

The Orchard, part of the Brackenfield SEND School, has undergone a £320,000 renovation and offers 70 places for young people starting their secondary education.

Derbyshire County Council said this was the first of six school developments to be completed using £5m of an £11m investment to create 300 additional places at special schools in Derbyshire.

At the opening on Friday, Councillor Sam Redfern, cabinet member for children and family help, said the site, which was previously a council building, would have a massive impact on the students who used it.

The council said areas with the greatest need of extra SEND provision were identified through consultations with Derbyshire schools.

"We recognise that there's always more to do, and this is the first of six developments to provide places for pupils with special education needs and disabilities where they are needed most," said Redfern.

By refurbishing a building close to the school, Redfern said "young learners can move on to the next stage of their education in a location they are familiar with."

Executive head teacher at the school, Trish Turner, said the new building enabled the school to "meet the needs of 280 children, preparing them for the next stage of their lives."

As part of the council's initial £5m investment, new classroom buildings are also being created at Alfreton Park School, Ashgate Croft School in Chesterfield and Bennerley Fields School in Cotmanhay.

Work is also being carried out to allow extra spaces at existing buildings at Stanton Vale School in Long Eaton and Swanwick School and Sports College.

In addition to creating extra school places, the county council said it was also investing in "Enhanced Resource Schools, SEND units, and education outside of school settings".