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Plans for £9m new school goes to Welsh Government
29/07/2020 @ 06:40
The case for a new £9 million building for Brynllywarch Hall School near Kerry will go to the Welsh Government for a decision.
It comes after Powys County Council's Cabinet approved the plans at their meeting yesterday.
They also hope that the Welsh Government will approve a bid for 75 per cent of the £9.15 million needed for the project from the 21st Century Schools Programme budget.
The other 25 per cent for the 72 place school would be funded by the council.
Work is expected to start in January 2022 and the new school building could open by the spring of 2023.
Education portfolio holder Cllr Phyl Davies, said: “This has been discussed at length for a number of years.
“It was correct to retain the school on the site in Kerry while ensuring the existing estate and buildings are released for sale, allowing the new build to go on the playing fields.”
Portofolio holder for Adult Social Services, Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, said: “This has been one of the worst examples of educational provision of a good standard taking place in a very poor building.”
Former education portfolio holder, Cllr Alexander, added: “They really deserve a new building, this is something I had a bee in my bonnet about for six or seven years.
“I have felt very often that each of these youngsters were being overlooked and it’s absolutely wonderful to be able to vote in favour of this.”
Council leader, Cllr Rosemarie Harris said the chairman of school governors, Cllr Kath Roberts-Jones, has been very supportive of the project.
Cllr Davies added: “As you have said Cllr Kath is extremely supportive and she puts it very well in a comment which I will read out.
“Educating our most vulnerable youngsters should be a priority which should take place in the best possible settings.”
“I fully agree with her it’s time they had a setting that is an equal to the education they get from the staff and support from the governing body.”
According to head of transformation and communications, Emma Palmer, this will be the first project of the council's 10 year schools transformation strategy.
The new build would help provide specialist support and provision to pupils with challenging behaviour, emotional and social difficulties in a modern and innovative learning environment.
It comes after Powys County Council's Cabinet approved the plans at their meeting yesterday.
They also hope that the Welsh Government will approve a bid for 75 per cent of the £9.15 million needed for the project from the 21st Century Schools Programme budget.The other 25 per cent for the 72 place school would be funded by the council.
Work is expected to start in January 2022 and the new school building could open by the spring of 2023.
Education portfolio holder Cllr Phyl Davies, said: “This has been discussed at length for a number of years.
“It was correct to retain the school on the site in Kerry while ensuring the existing estate and buildings are released for sale, allowing the new build to go on the playing fields.”
Portofolio holder for Adult Social Services, Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, said: “This has been one of the worst examples of educational provision of a good standard taking place in a very poor building.”
Former education portfolio holder, Cllr Alexander, added: “They really deserve a new building, this is something I had a bee in my bonnet about for six or seven years.
“I have felt very often that each of these youngsters were being overlooked and it’s absolutely wonderful to be able to vote in favour of this.”
Council leader, Cllr Rosemarie Harris said the chairman of school governors, Cllr Kath Roberts-Jones, has been very supportive of the project.
Cllr Davies added: “As you have said Cllr Kath is extremely supportive and she puts it very well in a comment which I will read out.
“Educating our most vulnerable youngsters should be a priority which should take place in the best possible settings.”
“I fully agree with her it’s time they had a setting that is an equal to the education they get from the staff and support from the governing body.”
According to head of transformation and communications, Emma Palmer, this will be the first project of the council's 10 year schools transformation strategy.
The new build would help provide specialist support and provision to pupils with challenging behaviour, emotional and social difficulties in a modern and innovative learning environment.
According to the county council, If given the go-ahead, the investment would deliver a purpose-built and flagship community focused school with 72 places in age appropriate environments and would also include:
Specialist support and provision to pupils with challenging behaviour, emotional and social difficulties in a modern and innovative learning environment
Appropriate learning spaces to deliver the new national curriculum
Specialist equipment, including IT facilities, to support teaching and learning outcomes which will help to ensure all learners maximise their potential
A fully equipped class base, with breakout space, calming room, laundry and hygiene facilities, together with an individual outdoor learning area.
Community groups would also be able to access the facilities out of school hours.
Specialist support and provision to pupils with challenging behaviour, emotional and social difficulties in a modern and innovative learning environment
Appropriate learning spaces to deliver the new national curriculum
Specialist equipment, including IT facilities, to support teaching and learning outcomes which will help to ensure all learners maximise their potential
A fully equipped class base, with breakout space, calming room, laundry and hygiene facilities, together with an individual outdoor learning area.
Community groups would also be able to access the facilities out of school hours.
The investment plans will help the council deliver its Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys, an ambitious 10-year strategy that was approved earlier this year (April).
The school, located in Kerry near Newtown, provides education for pupils from 8 to 19-year olds, with a wide range of complex individual needs that are unique to every learner.
By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporting Service
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