PROPOSALS for a major expansion to a Gravesend special school moved closer to receiving the green light last week.

Kent County Council (KCC) school organisation board has already approved the £3m scheme to build an extra 15-class block at Ifield Special School, in Cedar Avenue, Gravesend.

Now all it needs is the approval of the cabinet and work can progress on the expansion as early as September 2003.

The school, which was awarded beacon status in September, already helps children with moderate learning difficulties.

The report from KCC compliments the school on being "effective and successful". An expansion would allow it to take on cases of severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties.

The project would include the building of a hall and changing rooms, staff room and library.

It is hoped that, by expanding the school, there will be a space to teach secondary pupils with learning difficulties.

The number of pupils at the already over-subscribed school would increase to take 200 children, 30 more than are currently there.

The classrooms themselves will include an art room, science laboratory and a food technology room.

The new building will mean an end to the temporary buildings Ifield has so far been using.

It will also allow the school to expand and up their intake from 120 to 200 pupils.

There are still some hurdles to cross in that time, starting with the cabinet meeting. The plans will then be put out to public consultation and reports issued. If these are successful then building work will start in June next year.

Headteacher Simon Harrison said he was delighted with the news the school may be expanded.

He said: "The expansion will bring a great deal of new possibilities to the school.

"Our OFSTED report in 1999 said there was nothing wrong with the school apart from the buildings.

"It is fantastic news the county council is looking at the possibility of funding for new buildings."

November 20, 2001 13:19

Patrick John