A new teaching area has opened at a Coatbridge school which has welcomed new pupils following a reorganisation of additional support needs provision in North Lanarkshire.
The redeveloped space at Drumpark Primary has created extra capacity for the younger pupils of Mavisbank School in Airdrie, who have now transferred to join classes at the school campus on Albert Street.
Both schools cater for youngsters with complex additional support and significant medical needs; and Mavisbank is now for secondary-aged pupils only, while all those of primary age will attend Drumpark.
Drumpark’s new teaching area is described as “bright [and] spacious”, and head teacher Gillian Pollock said: “The new area really is a fantastic addition to the school.
“It provides us with a superb teaching area as well as additional capacity as we welcome pupils from Mavisbank, and the reaction of staff and pupils has been incredibly positive.”
Education convener, Councillor Frank McNally, unveiled a plaque in front of pupils, staff and invited guests to mark its official opening in a special ceremony at the school.
He said: “This new teaching area in Drumpark Primary is a clear example of our ambition to provide all our young people with first-class learning environments.
“We’re determined to provide all our young people with the best start in life, and are committed to improving standards within our Additional Support Needs schools and nurseries.
“This development is just one of a number of areas where we are taking action.”
Mavisbank previously had 25 pupils aged between five and 18 at its Mitchell Street building, and its change to become a secondary school with primary pupils moving to Drumpark was agreed by councillors last June.
They were told it would result in “enhanced vocational education and life skills development; pathways, packages and partnerships better aligned to age and stage; increased space and opportunities; [and] potential to experience a real transition to separate secondary”.
Clydeview School in Motherwell has moved to the Daisy Park centre at the Cathedral and Firpark primaries campus as part of the same £2.2m programme; which has also resulted in the creation of the We Aspire college from Fallside, Pentland and Portland schools, now based at Coltness High and Townhead community centre.
North Lanarkshire officials say the changes are “part of the council’s drive to improve the additional needs sector and provide enhanced teaching environments for pupils in fit-for-purpose surroundings.
“A fundamental overhaul of the sector [was agreed] with a clear a goal of improving the quality of education and the future life opportunities of young people with additional support needs.”
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