A multi-million pound expansion of a Nottingham school for children with additional needs means it can almost triple its intake.
Construction works costing £4m are set to start at Westbury Academy in Chingford Road, Bilborough on May 30 and could see school places increase from 45 to 120.
Westbury Academy caters for pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties aged between nine and sixteen.
Executive headteacher of the academy John Dyson said: “Increasing capacity from 45 to 120 places will mean that more parents can access this specialist provision in Nottingham City.
“We’re really excited by this expansion at Westbury and look forward to work starting at the end of the month.”
Sheena Wheatley, Provisional secretary for Nottingham City National Union of Teachers, said: “We welcome anything that supports our most vulnerable students and this would certainly fall into that category.”
The expansion work will be carried out by Wates’ Construction in partnership with East Midlands property alliance.
John Carlin, Business Unit Director of Wates Construction Midlands, said: “We are very happy to once again be working with Nottingham City Council as it fulfils its responsibility to accommodate the city’s growing need for increased school places.
“During our time on the project we also hope to inspire and encourage young people to take part in the various training activities that will be held as part of the scheme.”
Councillor Sam Webster, Portfolio Holder for Business, Education and Skills at Nottingham City Council, said: “As well as extending current special schools, we are working to introduce further specialist provision within mainstream schools in the City to support those parents who want more options available to them.
“Our ambition remains to ensure that all pupils in Nottingham attend a good school, close to home and our on-going expansion strategy means that we are creating more places to achieve this goal.”
