Kirklees Cabinet approves funding for special schools

Ambitious plans to rebuild and relocate two Kirklees special schools have taken a step forward.

Funding has been approved by Kirklees Cabinet members which will support vital development works for Joseph Norton Academy and Woodley School and College.

Joseph Norton is currently based in Scissett, offering 63 places for pupils with Social Emotional and Mental Health difficulties, but the site has limited scope for expansion.

Planning permission has already been granted to rebuild the school in Deighton. The new facility will increase the number of places to 132 and include a high-quality learning environment in a more central location.

Woodley School and College, for children and young people with complex autism, currently operates from multiple buildings at a site off Dog Kennel Bank. Additional teaching spaces have been added over time, but any further developments are restricted due to the site.

Relocating to a new site will create additional places for pupils aged 5-15 years, with a post-16 provision also included. The planned move to Fernside Avenue in Almondbury will also provide excellent and improved facilities while reducing the need for pupils to travel outside of Kirklees for their education.

Cabinet have now agreed the draw down of funding. This will enable the council to appoint a building contractor to construct the new Joseph Norton Academy and also appoint a specialist contractor to clear the Fernside Avenue site, ahead of a new school being built for Woodley.

Cllr Habiban Zaman, Cabinet member for Children’s Services, said:

“It’s fantastic news that our plans for both of these schools are moving into the next phase.

“The rebuilds are a key part of our work to transform local services linked to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). They will support local pupils to fulfill their potential.

“We are building capacity in our schools system and addressing the rising demand for specialist places while providing top-class, modern facilities.

“These projects will also bring long-term financial savings by reducing the number of pupils who are educated elsewhere. Most importantly, they will support vulnerable children and young people to enjoy the best start in life.”

The schools and the council continue to work closely on the rebuild projects, which also support the objectives of the SEND Big Plan. The Big Plan outlines the way SEND services are being transformed in Kirklees.

Having an inclusive learning system, where learners of all backgrounds get the support they need, is central to Our Kirklees Futures – the long-term vision for learning across the district.

Our Kirklees Futures

Our Kirklees Futures brings together the full range of education providers, plus wider partners, with the shared aim that learners of all ages will be equipped with vital skills for life.

To find out more, please visit the Our Kirklees Futures web page.