New School Build

THE FUTURE

These are very exciting times for our school. In 2017 Derbyshire County Council (DCC) committed over £12m to build a brand-new school. The school has been in the unique position of being able to work with DCC to deliver a school which meets the needs of our pupils. After an open tender process, the school chose a London based architect, Curl la Tourelle Head to design the school.

We have been working very closely with our architects and DCC to arrive at a proposal that delivers a school which will serve, adapt and grow with our current and future pupils.  The new school is proposed to be located on the north of Highfield plantation, and subject to us gaining planning approval, construction will hopefully start in 2020.

Our pupils’ needs have been central to the design process. Alongside the classrooms and shared spaces, we have also incorporated a number of specialist therapy rooms including soft play, rebound and sensory. We believe that these rooms, alongside our pool, will play a vital part in our pupil’s journey through school, helping them to be the best they can be.

FUNDRAISING

After many decades of ‘making do’ with a building and outdoor play area which is cramped and not fit for purpose we have finally been given the green light for a brand-new school, which puts the needs of the pupils at the very centre of its design. Whilst we have an overall budget for the new build, this budget only covers the basic build and landscaping, which is why we are looking for additional grants and income to provide the facilities which our pupils deserve. Please contact Rebecca Dallman – 01773 832019 if you think you can help!

Rotary Club

As a school for pupils with complex special needs, we know that the external play and sports areas will form an essential part of our pupils learning, and as such they have been a crucial part of the design process. To this end the Amber Valley Rotary Club have pledged to raise over £50K for outdoor gym equipment.

MUGA

Within the scope of the new build the school is looking to secure additional funding to provide a fully accessible Multi-Use Games Area which is safe, floodlit and surfaced with a marked polymeric sports surface suitable for wheelchair users. 

Rebound Therapy Room

We are seeking additional sources of funds to equip our planned Rebound Therapy Room. The Rebound Therapy Room will be a vital resource for our pupils. It will be a space where some of our most complex learners will be able to develop skills which can been difficult to key into using traditional teaching techniques.

UPDATE

Planning has now been approved for the new school to be built!  Further information will be available once we have more to tell you.