Project for new SEND school in Salisbury takes step further
Earlier this year contractors were appointed
A planning application has been submitted to refurbish the existing South Wiltshire UTC buildings in Salisbury into a Special Education Needs school.
Earlier this year, the Department for Education appointed the contractors for the site, and the project has now taken a further step forward.
The University Technical College site, which has been empty since August 2020, on Wilton Road will be partly demolished and renovated for it's new purpose.
The SEND school will offer 150 places for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Tilbury Douglas will be carrying out the works
The Design and Access Statement says:
"The SAIL Academy will be a 150 place facility for pupil ages 5-19 with a diagnosis of Autism or Social Emotional Mental Health needs. The integration of these two pupil groups provides considerable challenges and the breadth of needs and their presentation have informed how the spaces within the building and site are arranged.
"The scheme aims to zone to school to allow for spaces specifically tailored to the distinct needs of the individual cohorts & pupil groups. Large “whole school” spaces are generally not appropriate, with smaller learning suites being preferred."
The new building will include 25 dedicated classrooms, a science lab, learning resource spaces and a main hall amongst much more.
The site is being developed by The Department for Education in close liaison with Reach South Academy Trust and Wiltshire Council, in preparation for the Trust to take up the reins at the end of the project.
Dean Ashton, Chief Executive of Reach South said:
“Special Educational Needs schools and resource bases are vital parts of the provision across our Trust. This school will prove hugely important for the young people of Salisbury and the surrounding area as we propose to address demand by significantly enhancing provision of specialised education for young people with a diagnosis or primary need of autism (ASD) or social, emotional or mental health needs (SEMH). We’ve made real progress with this project over the past year, there is still much to do before the school opens but everything is looking bright for our future plans.”
The site should be ready to open in Autumn 2023.