November 21, 2019 3.50 pm This story is over 55 months old

Children’s care provider plans first independent school in Grantham

The school will cater for 30-35 children
Esland Care wants to convert the Newton Chambers offices on Isaac Newton Way into a new school. Photo: Google Streetview

A children’s care provider is looking to open its first standalone school for children with special educational needs on a Grantham business park.

Esland Care, which operates 31 homes nationwide for children with a range of specialist needs, wants to convert the Newton Chambers Offices on Isaac Newton Way, into an independent facility for 30-35 children.

A spokesman for Esland Care said: “We are excited to be opening a service in Grantham to meet the local demand and also look forward to offering employment opportunities locally.

“We are still awaiting the results of the application and are happy to engage with local stakeholders who may have any questions.”

The company usually includes education services as part of its home provision, so the new school will be its first without residential provision.

It will see the offices inside converted into classrooms, while externally there may be a new fence “created to provide a safe outside space for the children”.

In its documents to South Kesteven District Council, the company says it provides “high quality” care and offers “bespoke, specialist services” to local authorities.

“We recognise that the way young people deal with difficult situations is often underpinned by their life experiences, which ultimately affect their level of resilience,” says Esland’s application.

The education of the looked after children will be paid for by their local authority.

The company says there will be ample parking on site for staff and children being dropped off or picked up.

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