Work has commenced on a major upgrade and improvement programme at Heltwate School in Peterborough.

Heltwate is a mixed, special school catering for pupils aged 5 to 19 with moderate to severe learning difficulties and additional medical needs. It also offers autism specific education.

The £6.8 million project – which has been funded by Peterborough City Council and is due to be completed by spring 2023 – includes:

• A substantial new building incorporating five class spaces, a hall, sensory rooms, therapy rooms, hygiene rooms, storage, reception and office area, staff room, outdoor covered play area, outdoor hard and soft play areas

-- Advertisement --

• Improvements to car parking, pupil drop-off and access

• The removal of temporary mobile classrooms

• The demolition of the existing Silver Jubilee building in poor condition to enable the new accommodation to be built

• Upgrading and relocating an existing hard games court area used by the local community.

The new building, playing field and outdoor facilities will provide much-needed special educational needs places for children living in Peterborough. Contractors for the project are RG Carter.

As part of the adopted SEND strategy, special schools are increasingly being asked to provide places for children with more complex needs. Additional facilities are required to ensure there is appropriate accommodation to support the children at the Heltwate site.

Cllr Lynne Ayres, Peterborough City Council cabinet member for children’s services, education, skills and the university, said: "I am delighted that work on the programme of essential improvements at Heltwate School has started. The need for special school places in Peterborough is constantly increasing and it is our duty to provide appropriate and imaginative accommodation to enable these young people to thrive."