The Island’s first school dedicated to children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs has opened in East Cowes.
The former Isle of Wight Studio School in Grange Road has undergone a major refurbishment to provide specialist provision for initially 20 pupils.
St George’s Studio
St George’s Studio — a satellite site for St George’s School in Newport — offers tailored facilities in a modern learning environment.
Previously, there was no specialist primary or secondary school provision for youngsters who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with SEMH on the Island.
Bacon: Very proud to be able to deliver a first for the Island
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for children’s services, said,
“We are very proud to be able to deliver a first for the Island and its children and young people.
“Every child growing up on the Isle of Wight deserves access to a high-quality education, whatever their needs and circumstances.
“Providing high-quality specialist provision is a key priority of our Draft Education Strategy and the opening of new facilities such as St George’s Studio underlines our commitment to ensuring all Island children have the best opportunity to succeed.”
What it offers
The St George’s Studio features a range of soft lighting, soft seating (including seating at different heights) and a calm relaxed environment.
There is a fully-equipped kitchen to teach cooking and life skills, art room, gaming suite, workshops with equipment to develop practical skills, a multi-purpose hall and outdoor table tennis tables.
As the number of young people increase, so will the accommodation, with more classrooms and science labs.
100s of specialist school places desperately needed
Hundreds of specialist school places are desperately needed across the Island to support some of our most vulnerable children and young people, some of whom are currently forced to travel off-Island for their education.
Last week the council put forward proposals to adjust the Island’s school system to reduce surplus places while increasing specialist provision to meet the growing demand.
Wherever possible, it is proposed to repurpose school sites identified for potential closure to provide much-needed specialist facilities like St George’s Studio to meet the needs of Island children.
More information is available on the council’s website.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
