Pupils and parents celebrate SEND school expansion

Pupils, parents and staff have celebrated the completion of a long-awaited special school expansion with a cake.

The building takes Baytree School in Clevedon from a single site for 72 children with profound and complex learning difficulties to two sites, offering 120 places.

Catherine Gibbons, from North Somerset Council, said the build was "vital in tackling the growing need for SEND [special education needs and disabilities] places".

Head teacher Ed Bowen-Roberts said he was delighted to see the incredible expansion open after it had been "years in the making".

Now that construction is complete, the pupils have been settling into their new surroundings.

Adaptations inside the building include hoists for children with limited mobility, a hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms and provision across a single storey for those unable to use stairs.

Streets and pavements leading up to the school have also been newly resurfaced for ease of access.

“I’m delighted that, after years in the making, we have opened this incredible school expansion to our learners – they all love it’s truly wonderful facilities," Mr Bowen-Roberts said.

Ms Gibbons said to see children already settling into their new surroundings "really drives home just how important this project is".

"The expansion of Baytree is vital as we support our SEN community, offering children with profound and complex difficulties a setting that’s perfect for their needs," she said.

"It’s clear the difference that the school will make in the lives of these children, their families and the school staff."

The new school site is integrated into the local area, and it is hoped that it can help to promote and support ever-improving awareness of accessibility and inclusivity.

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