Plans for future of special school
PROPOSALS INCLUDE REBUILDING ST CLARE’S OR EXTENDING IT
A DERBY school could be completely rebuilt to increase the number of places available among secondary-age children in the city requiring special needs education.
But if it goes ahead, there will not be enough money to expand special needs provision in four Derby mainstream schools.
Currently, there are two plans on the table involving St Clare’s School at Mickleover – one involves demolition of the existing building and rebuilding a new school with capacity for 160 pupils at a cost of almost £9 million.
The other proposal is to extend St Clare’s School by enlarging the existing school with a least one extension.
Also proposed is a plan to extend specialist education provision across the city by creating enhanced resource bases at four mainstream schools.
These are at Murray Park, Landau Forte College and City of Derby Academy, each of which would have
15 places for autism needs with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) support, and Chellaston Academy which would have 10 places in its base and SEMH support.
But if the plan to rebuild or expand St Clare’s takes all of the available money, then the creation of enhanced resource bases at the four schools could not go ahead.
The demand for special school places in Derby is much higher than other national and regional authorities. In developing the enhanced resource provision, more children will be included in aspects of mainstream education and their outcomes, independence and social skills can benefit.
When the proposal was heard at council cabinet last week, Councillor
Ruth Skelton, leader of the council’s Lib Dem group, looked for assurances that the school would be fitted with sprinklers.
This follows major city blazes in which two Derby schools were destroyed by fire last year – St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Ravensdale Infant School.
Councillor Evonne Williams, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We have previously said that any extensions or rebuilds of schools that are in our control, will be fitted with sprinklers.”
Pressed on whether it would also be carbon zero, Ms Williams said: “We will build according to current legislation and DFE guidelines, which will take into account the need to be more environmentallyfriendly. But it is unlikely that with the money available, we would be able to put in all the measures that would make the building carbon neutral.”
A 12-week public consultation is due to begin on September 20 and a report of the outcome will be taken to a future council cabinet.