A SPECIAL needs school rated “outstanding” by Ofsted is to move across Liverpool in £6m expansion plans – amid increasing demand for places in Liverpool.
Millstead school will move from its existing building in the grounds of Olive Mount Hospital on Mill Lane, Wavertree ,to the former City Learning Centre and Campion School site on Prince Edwin Street in Everton.
The school, which caters for primary aged pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties and autism, will be able to accommodate 105 youngsters, up from its current roll number of 70.
In line with national statistics, the number of pupils in Liverpool with severe learning difficulties shot up between 2010 and 2012 from 231 to 336.
Elsewhere in the city, Palmerston is getting a four classroom extension to provide a post-16 centre and enable it to take on a further 48 pupils, while an extra six classrooms are being built at Abbot’s Lea to support more youngsters with autism.
The rise has been put down to advances in medicine and care, say council bosses, which means children with complex needs have the opportunity of a full education with assistance.
The new Millstead building – which is due to open in September 2014 - will include a hydrotherapy pool and rooms where physiotherapy and sensory support will be offered to support pupils across Merseyside.
Councillor Jane Corbett, Cabinet member for education, said: ““Millstead is already doing amazing work with young people and this was reflected in their recent Ofsted inspection. “This new building will enable them to continue their teaching in much improved surroundings with better classrooms and a proper outdoor space.”
It forms part of the Liverpool School Investment Programme, in which Mayor Joe Anderson has pledged to deliver at least 12 new schools.
The Mayor’s Cabinet will be asked to approve the award of the construction contract to Willmott Dixon on Friday 5 July.
