Regency High School in Worcester welcomed 25 reception and year one pupils from Monday – and will continue to expand to provide additional places for the next four years.
Each September, as the pupils transition into their next year group, a further reception class offering eight places will open. By September 2030, all year primary phase year groups will be operational. The new primary school has yet to receive an official name.
Meanwhile, building work is ongoing at the school to allow for the new primary classroom spaces.
Teachers, including head teacher Tania Dorman, provided visitors with a tour of the new facilities on Friday which will help provide support to children with learning and cognition needs.
Some of the primary school pupils are two years behind their chronological age and therefore need additional support.
Worcestershire County Council has provided capital funding of £335,000 for the development of the primary provision at Regency.
Cllr Dan Boatright-Greene, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, SEND and Skills said: “We’re delighted to support the expansion of Regency High School to provide much-needed specialist provision for primary-aged pupils. This is a significant step forward in increasing access to high-quality specialist support for local children and their families.”
In February we reported how Regency High School in Worcester said it will only need the portable buildings for 18 months, by which time new permanent facilities will be ready.
The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school currently provides secondary and post-16 education but is extending its age range to include primary-aged pupils.
Approval has already been given to a plan to build seven new permanent classrooms, plus a food technology room, at the school in Carnforth Drive.
The rooms will be equipped with hoists and there will also be quiet spaces where children can get one-to-one support.
Worcestershire County Council has acknowledged there is a lack of SEND places across the county and has turned down a £5.7m offer from the government in order to continue with plans to build a special autism school in Malvern.
Source: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/look-inside-new-specialist-send-primary-school-as-city-high-school-extends-age-range/ar-AA24VBF4: Image: Worcestershire County Council