July 5, 2019 10.57 am This story is over 62 months old

£3.3m special needs school opens near Lincoln

It includes classrooms, a sensory room and soft play area
A residential school offering specialist care and education for children with severe and complex learning disabilities near Lincoln. | Photo: Witham Prospect School

A residential school offering specialist care and education for children with severe and complex learning disabilities has opened near Lincoln.

Witham Prospect School is based at the former Norton Lodge Hotel & Conference Centre on Old Harbour Farm, Newark Road in Norton Disney.

The new school will offer specialist care and education for up to 16 residential pupils and eight day pupils. The pupils are aged 11-18 with severe and complex learning disabilities and may also be on the autism spectrum.

The overall spend on the privately funded project was £3.3 million, with only local craftsman and suppliers used for the renovation and materials.

Once the school is full, managers anticipate the school will have created more that 100 jobs.

Placements for the school will be granted upon referral and are being offered now.

Photo: Witham Prospect School

As previously reported, plans were submitted by Longboat Special Education Limited to turn the site into a residential special school and extended to include a playground and additional bedrooms.

The school includes classrooms, special rooms and a soft play area. There is also a sensory room, adventure play area including keep fit equipment and a short break area with an outdoor classroom.

The bedrooms are spacious with en-suites and for single occupancy. They are divided into separate areas according to age, with each area having its own waking night staff.

Photo: Witham Prospect School

The school also has two main living areas and two dining areas, with all meals provided from the main kitchen and prepared by a qualified chef.

Plans are already in hand to build a swimming pool and activity hall within the grounds.

Photo: Witham Prospect School

All of the school’s directors have vast experience in running special educational needs schools and young adult care homes. All the teachers are fully qualified and supported by qualified teaching assistants.

The school will also use specialists in aromatherapy and, music, speech, occupational and equine therapy, as well as psychological input.

Pupils will also be encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities within the 12-acre facility and in the wider community. The school also has its own off-site Equestrian Centre with a 400 acre adjoining farm.