Special needs school opens £550k extension

A school specialising in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Staffordshire is increasing pupil numbers after a £550,000 extension opened.

Rocklands in Lichfield can take 10 more pupils thanks to the new building, funded by Staffordshire County Council.

The Hive consists of a stand-alone single-storey teaching block, with an additional classroom, resource room, kitchen, meeting room and toilets.

A new rubber play area has also been built outside with soft landscaping.

Rocklands School caters for 135 children with SEND aged from two to 11 years.

The building was commissioned and funded by Staffordshire County Council, working with Rocklands and the Manor Hall Trust which runs it.

The authority's cabinet member for education, Jonathan Price, said: "Ensuring children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities have access to the education they need for them to thrive is an absolute priority for the county council.

"Rocklands School offers some fantastic facilities for its young people, and I am pleased that we have been able to make this much-needed extension happen, so that more children with SEND are able to learn in a modern and nurturing environment that suits their differing needs."

Head teacher Jane Mackin said: "The class.. has already made a huge difference to so many families. One happy head teacher!"

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.