New Resource Base for Deaf Children

On Tuesday (Tuesday 17 January), Southampton City Council’s Cabinet gave approval for the construction of a new specialist deaf facility at Newlands Primary School

The new resource base which was designed by Southampton City Council’s in-house Design Services Team will be a purpose built space for deaf children and will be a single storey extension of the existing school which will include:

• Two new classrooms
• Two group rooms
• Staff working room
• Toilet facilities

Works to Newlands Primary School are planned to start in the spring with the new school facilities anticipated to be ready for use in the autumn. Specialist services are currently being provided from a temporary modular unit at Newlands Primary School which opened to pupils and teachers in December 2021.

Whilst the planning approval for this new project was secured last year, yesterday evening Cabinet approved the additional £660,000 required to enable the scheme to be delivered.

Councillor Darren Paffey, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning at Southampton City Council, said:

“This investment will give deaf children the best possible, inclusive, high-quality school setting where our dedicated teachers and staff can meet their specific needs.

“We have a growing number of pupils with complex needs including those who are deaf, so this funding will allow Southampton City Council to meet the needs of more deaf pupils by creating more local school places.

“The expansion will ensure that the pupils of Newlands Primary School are fully included in all aspects of school life.

“This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to see our children and young people given the best possible start in life by putting their health and wellbeing at the heart of what we do”.

Karen Mellor, Headteacher at Newlands Primary School, said:

“We are excited to be getting a purpose-built, specialist resource base for deaf children as this will really enhance the inclusive education we offer at Newlands Primary School.

“The new building will ensure that no child is left behind with their learning as it will provide the amazing teachers of the deaf and support staff team with the facilities and resources they need to give excellent learning support, therapy and other specialist services to our children”.

Source: Southampton City Council