A new £800k school extension has been officially opened, supporting wider plans to promote inclusivity and increase the number of SEND places in Bolton.
Bolton Council has successfully delivered the expansion and remodelling of the existing SEND provision at Queensbridge Community Primary School.
The newly renovated space is now ready to support 16 pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties or Severe Learning Difficulties.
The work is part of “Belonging in Bolton”, a joint inclusion strategy between the council and headteachers designed to ensure every child feels welcome at their local school.
In addition to this latest extension, the council also aims to establish SEND support at other mainstream schools across the borough.
Funding for the renovation work came from the Department for Education’s Safety Valve grant programme.
Last week, the council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Martin Donaghy cut the ribbon to officially declare the building open.
He was joined on a tour of the new facilities by local ward councillors for Farnworth South.
Cllr Donaghy said: “We believe that every child, regardless of their needs, should be welcome in their local mainstream school.
“This project is a great example of what we can achieve when the council and schools work together to help young people thrive as individuals.
“Every child in Bolton deserves the best possible start in life and schemes like this will enable even more pupils to enjoy a quality education closer to where they live.”
Headteacher Louise Chapman said:
“Each member of our Queensbridge family are valued, respected and included - regardless of their background, ethnicity and whether or not they have identified special needs or disabilities.
“We believe that every child has the right to a champion. Someone who they know will believe in them and helps them to be the best version of themselves.”