Opening of new school for pupils with special needs

THE new £13m St Christopher’s Primary School in Lincoln has been officially opened.

The 130-place special school includes 15 classrooms alongside therapy spaces such as sensory and soft play. In addition, there is a large hall, a hydrotherapy pool and physiotherapy and medical rooms.

The new school complements St Christopher’s current Hykeham Road site, which will now be home to its secondary-aged pupils only. These current buildings are also being redeveloped and remodelled as part of the improvement project.

Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, Executive Member for Children’s Services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The council wants to ensure that all children can access high-quality education as near to their family and local community as possible. To achieve that we’re investing £100m in improving our special schools.

St Christopher’s School has experienced significant growth over the last few years and the new site will help ensure there are sufficient places to meet demand.

“This means more pupils with Special Education Needs can attend their local school rather than having to travel large distances for their education, which will be of great benefit to both the children and their families.”

Headteacher at St Christopher’s, Kyna Adkins added: “St Christopher is the patron saint of journeys and what a fantastic journey this building project has been.

“Since moving into our beautiful new building we have been able to provide our pupils with the learning environment they deserve.

“Over the last month, as pupils and staff have settled into the school, we have seen an extraordinary reduction in the behaviours that challenge and exponential progress in pupils’ independence, communication and engagement.

“With our wonderful new primary school building we are determined to create an education that is ambitious and aspirational for all our pupils.

It is an absolute privilege working with children and young people with special education needs as we know just how much they contribute to our community.”