A Grimsby school is set for expansion, with a new area dedicated to supporting children with communication and interaction needs.
Work has started at Fairfield Academy to transform part of the school to deliver specialist support to children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
The project – called the Emerald Hub – is being funded by North East Lincolnshire Council, and is part of wider plans to create more than 100-new places for children with additional needs in the area over the coming years.
Due to open later in the autumn term, the Emerald Hub will eventually cater for 18 students who each have an EHCP and a primary need of communication and interaction.
Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “I’m really pleased to see these plans coming into fruition, and contractors starting on site. These places are desperately needed, and it’s vitally important that all children get the support they need to be able to learn and thrive.”
Fairfield Academy principal, Katie McGuire, said: “The David Ross Education Trust is delighted to be partnering with the local authority to provide bespoke provision for children that need something additional to the mainstream offer for education.
“We are looking forward to transitioning our new pupils into Fairfield Academy; we feel strongly that all children should have the opportunity to come to a setting that fully meets their needs.”
Emerald Hub lead, teacher and SENCO, Lucianna Ashton-Smith, added: “We know that there is a need in our local community for resource-based provision and the Emerald Hub will meet this need, enabling many pupils to attend a school in their community and still have their needs met. It’s a great privilege to lead on this new venture.”
The work on site is being carried out by Topcon Building Ltd, working with North East Lincolnshire Council.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
