A new sensory room, expanded outdoor learning and an additional specialist early years space has been created at Skirlaugh Primary School.
Around a quarter of the school’s 130 pupils have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The school successfully applied for £25,000 funding last year and alterations were made to the school over the summer break.
Carrieanne Pitois, Headteacher and SENDCo, said: “We applied for funding as the number of children with complex needs attending the school has increased. We looked at ways to develop the school environment, tailored to the pupils’ sensory, therapeutic and academic needs. We also wanted to ensure the developments were sustainable and future proof.
“It’s great to see those works now almost complete, and children benefiting from our new purpose-built learning environment.”
Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education said: “The developments at Skirlaugh Primary have really enhanced the inclusivity of the school. Already this year there have been three children who can now attend their local school, who may not have been able to without these alterations.
“Further children within the community will benefit from being able to access their local school. This is something we are committed to doing – helping all children attend a good local school which meets their needs and lets them learn alongside their peers, close to home.
“The adaptions at Skirlaugh have not only benefitted pupils with the highest needs, but also all pupils attending the school. The sensory area will be enjoyed by all children, and the school promotes inclusivity, diversity and wellbeing.”
The funding was awarded through the Inclusion and SEND Adjustment Capital Scheme (ISACS), for mainstream schools to develop their space so that more pupils with SEND can achieve and thrive in mainstream schools.
