There could be a new site on the Isle of Wight for special needs children to learn in.
It comes as OEA Alternative Provision (a small SEN school on the Isle of Wight) looks to add more places to its small special education needs school, this time at a base on the outskirts of Newport.
The OEA caters to individuals who may find mainstream school challenging and each has a personalised education programme.
Riverway premises
It could open on Riverway in the former home of the national hearing loss charity, RNID, and IW Sensory Services and next to local charity, Friends of the Animals.
OEA already has a site in Sandown and provides activities all over the Island, but is looking to provide more places so pupils are not sent to the mainland.
Change of use
In plans submitted to the Isle of Wight council, the building would be changed into a school, with stud walling separating classrooms, offices and seating areas.
Agent on behalf of the OEA, Andrew White Planning Consultancy, says the approach is to provide an educational setting that does not look or feel like a school and has been designed to be friendly and welcoming.
Safe and secure outdoor space
Outside, a therapy room and sensory garden could be built along with a store and classroom area with benches.
The agents say it can provide a safe and secure outdoor space, where education can also be provided in an informal way.
The site on Riverway could provide 12 more spaces at the school and employ six full-time members of staff.
There are currently 18 children who attend the OEA and nine staff members.
View the plans
You can view the plans, 23/00505/FUL, on the Isle of Wight council’s planning register. Comments can be submitted until 2nd May.
Island Roads has submitted an objection to the application due to sub-standard levels of visibility and a potential increase in reversing manoeuvres within the site which could ‘fail to provide a safe and suitable access’ for all users.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
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