Dunstable’s new specialist primary school hailed success at official opening
A new primary school in Dunstable designed to meet pupil’s social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs has been celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The school was opened to help children with additional needs access education within Central Bedfordshire.
It has small class sizes, with carefully planned spaces to make sure children feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
The long-term home for the school will be the former Pulloxhill Lower School site. But to ensure no delay in meeting the urgent demand, interim provision is at Beech Road.
The council says the new school places will reduce transport costs and save the council between £1.24 million and £2.6 million annually, compared to the cost of independent placements.
The school operates as a satellite of Larwood School and is run by Brighter Futures Educational Trust.
One pupil, Olivia, said: "This school is way better than my old school. It is fun and I have lots of friends." While William said: "I am doing really well. I enjoy coming to school now." Elijah added: "I am happy here because it is fun." Nanku said: "I like the school, everything is good."
And Stanley added: "I like this school because every Friday we have activities."
Councillor Gareth Mackey said: “What matters most is the difference this school is already making to pupils’ lives. Children now have a place where they feel supported, understood and able to learn in a way that works for them, which outlines our commitment to addressing quality local provision, closer to where people live.
“By acting quickly and bringing an empty school building back into use, we’ve been able to create a high‑quality SEMH setting at pace and giving families reassurance that the right support is in place.”