April 19, 2021 5.07 pm This story is over 35 months old

Lincoln special needs school seeks extension to help 130 more pupils

Better provision for special needs education
How the new school building could look.

A new school building will rise from the ashes of an old one as part of a major special education needs expansion for Lincoln St Christopher’s School.

Lincolnshire County Council has applied to its planning department to build a dedicated new 130-place primary school on the site of the former Usher Junior School, which was demolished in 2012.

Lincoln St Christophers’ original building will also be extensively redeveloped and remodelled to provide specialist secondary age education.

The revamp and build will see the schools’ total capacity increase from 200 to 333.

The development forms part of the council’s plans to create more than 500 Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) places across the county which is backed by an £86 million investment.

Documents submitted to the planning department said: “Lincoln St Christopher’s School has experienced significant growth over the last few years […] and the school has accepted students beyond their physical capacity to ensure they can be educated locally.

An additional 111 places will be needed by 2023, predict the plans.

The build will sit on the site of the former Usher Junior School which was demolished in 2012.

“It would not be possible to expand Lincoln St Christopher’s School solely on the existing site, as there is insufficient external space to accommodate the required expansion.

“In order to increase the provision of special school places in Lincoln city and surrounding areas, the required extra special school places can only be developed on an additional site if they are to be in the correct geographical location to meet demand.”

The new primary school will include 15 classrooms, with four being specifically for “non-ambulant” pupils. There will also be therapy spaces such as sensory and soft play, a large hall and a hydrotherapy pool as well as physiotherapy and medical rooms.

A “poor, unsuitable” block of accommodation will be demolished and replaced by a two-story build of classroom spaces, a new large hall with changing facilities and specialist medical room.

The schools main entrance will be relocated and staff facilities will be provided on the first floor.

Lincolnshire County Council said the new facilities will enable the school to provide a wider range of needs.