Special needs academy given green light

An artist’s impression showed how the new Queensway Academy would look

A school for students with special educational needs has been given the go-ahead to expand by planners in Telford.

The £9m Queensway Academy is due to replace the existing Queensway South school on Hinkshay Road, in Dawley.

It is designed for 68 pupils in Key Stage 2, 3, and 4, with social, emotional, and mental health issues, as well as 35 staff.

Head teacher Julie Bravo will oversee both the new academy and pre-existing Queensway North school.

A statement submitted to Telford and Wrekin Council said the borough was experiencing an increase in the number of children with special educational needs, who would benefit from specialist or alternative education provision.

"Especially those on the autism spectrum and those with social, emotional and mental health needs,"” it added.

The school will have a separate entrance from Queensway North school, and include an open courtyard layout, with accommodation on three sides.

Also featured in the plans is covered external space for outdoor teaching, and designated spaces within classrooms for pupil isolation, in cases of behavioural issues.

Additionally, parking, including disabled spaces was included, as well as electric vehicle charging points.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.