Kier Western has started work on a new school for youngsters with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD) in South Gloucestershire.

The school, on Mulberry Drive, Kingswood, will offer a safe, nurturing and non-institutional environment for 35 secondary pupils aged 11 to 16. Due to open in September next year, it will provide modern, general and specialist spaces both internally and externally, as well as sports and recreational facilities, including a games court, pond, allotments and herb garden.

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Designed as an open, light and calming space, the building will provide areas with clear boundaries, with enough space between them to feel comfortable and space to allow individual support and calm places during times of stress. Each classroom has direct access to an external classroom area.

The school has strong vocational facilities and will incorporate both a motor vehicle workshop and a construction workshop. There will also be a music practice and control room and a large recreational area for socialising and game playing.

South Gloucestershire Council executive member for children and young people, Sheila Cook, commented: "It is great to see building work start because we have a duty to ensure all youngsters have the best start to life and this specially built school will offer a fantastic learning environment closer to students’ homes in which I am sure the they will flourish."

(CD/KMcA)