Trust to open new school in Derby

Multi-academy trust Respect Collaboration Trust is opening a £2.5 million new SEND school in Derby which will teach 100 children, Derbyshire Live has reported.

The investment came from the Department for Education’s High Needs Provision Capital Allocation, awarded through Derby City Council.

The school, St James House, will cater for children with social, emotional and mental health needs, some with Education Health Care Plans.

Youngsters between Years 7 and 11 will have access to specialist science laboratories, food technology classrooms and dedicated activity spaces.

The project included fitting new windows, enhanced sound insulation and a fully equipped kitchen. An outdoor learning space is also to be developed.

Respect Collaboration Trust’s chief executive Mike Pride said: "This isn't simply about moving into a bigger building. It's about giving children access to the same breadth and quality of education that every young person deserves.

"At our previous site we were working incredibly hard, but the facilities simply limited what we could offer. We couldn't deliver food technology lessons, our science teaching wasn't taking place in a dedicated laboratory and opportunities for physical activity were limited.

"Now our pupils have access to facilities which mean they can access the full breadth and depth of the national curriculum. They can enjoy a hot lunch prepared in our own kitchen, and they can enjoy activities such as yoga, badminton and table tennis, helping to support both their physical and emotional wellbeing."