WORK on a new £8 million special school in Coventry is set to begin later this summer after Coventry City Council gave the green light for construction to start.
The new multi-million pound development will see Tiverton Primary School in Coundon relocated to the Whitley Abbey Primary School site.
The new 25,000 sq ft development will not only include the new Tiverton SEN Broad Spectrum School, but also a 26 place nursery.
Currently, Tiverton Primary School provides 42 places for children aged three to 11 who have severe learning difficulties.
The move comes as the current school is ageing and no longer offers the right environment for the learning it delivers.
The new modern school will predominantly be single storey, include a swimming pool and cater for more than double the number of children who have a broad range of special educational needs – with up to 88 places available.
Both the Whitley and Tiverton primary schools will have pupils of the same age and there will be the opportunity to combine learning and co-ordinate activities to further enrich the curriculum.
Design work has already and construction is expected to begin during the summer holidays with the school expected to open in September 2017.
IDP Group director James Hinde, who will design the new development with his team, said: “Our roots are in Coventry so it is really pleasing to be involved with such a worthwhile development in our home city.
“The scheme’s design will create a parkland setting for the new school building that will harmonise with the surrounding landscape and complement the existing primary school and grounds.
“We are looking forward to working with Coventry City Council to move ahead with the development and continuing to build on our successful working relationship.”
Coventry City Council is due to make a decision about the future of Tiverton Primary School’s Coundon site once the new school has been completed.
Coun David Kershaw, cabinet member for education, said: “It’s important that our children have the opportunity to learn in an environment that helps them reach their full potential.
“The site in Whitley is a great area and there is a real opportunity to create a fantastic new facility for students age three to 11.”
