The new £13m St Christopher’s Primary School in Lincoln has been officially opened.
The new 130-place special school includes 15 classrooms alongside therapy spaces such as sensory and soft play. In addition, there is a large hall, a hydrotherapy pool and physiotherapy and medical rooms.
The new school complements St Christopher’s current Hykeham Road site, which will now be home to its secondary-aged pupils only. These current buildings are also being extensively redeveloped and remodelled as part of the improvement project.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children's services, said: "The council wants to ensure that all children can access high-quality education, as near to their family and local community as possible.
"To help achieve that, we're investing £100m in improving our special schools.
“St Christopher’s School has experienced significant growth over the last few years, and the new site will help ensure that there are sufficient spaces to meet local demand.
"This will mean more pupils with SEND can attend their local school rather than having to travel large distances for their education, which will be of great benefit to both the children and their families.”
Kyna Adkins, headteacher at St Christopher’s School, added: “St Christopher is the patron saint of journeys, and what a fantastic journey this building project has been.
"Since moving into our beautiful new building, we have been able to provide our pupils with the learning environment they deserve.
"Over the last month, as pupils and staff have settled into the school, we have seen an extraordinary reduction in behaviours that challenge and exponential progress in pupils’ independence, communication, and engagement.
“With our wonderful new primary school building we are determined to create an education that is ambitious and aspirational for all our pupils.
"It is an absolute privilege working with children and young people with special educational needs as we know just how much they can contribute to our community.
"On behalf of staff, pupils, and families, I want to thank everyone who has invested in our school, as well as the investment for future generations of young learners for Lincolnshire.”
The building work was carried out by Wates, with the funding provided by the county council.