Mayor hails “momentous” opening of Middlesbrough’s £10m first free special school

Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston has hailed the opening of the town’s first free school for children with special educational needs.

Described by the mayor as “momentous”, the £10m-plus Discovery Special Academy provides a specialist educational provision for more than 100 children aged 4-11 with complex and significant learning, communication, physical and medical needs.

Built on Sandy Flatts Lane in Acklam, on the site of the former Nature’s World, Discovery is among the first of the government’s flagship free schools.

The purpose-built therapeutic and educational provision will also act as a regional hub for services and partners including the NHS physiotherapists plus a range of occupational therapists and sensory experts.

Part of Tees Valley Education Multi Academy Trust, Discovery will help to meet an increasing demand for special needs education places and facilities across Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland, with pupils also attending from neighbouring Stockton and North Yorkshire.

During a tour of the school’s facilities, Mayor Preston noted: “It’s a momentous achievement for all involved in this magnificent project, ensuring Middlesbrough now leads the way with a trail-blazing specialist facility.

“Discovery represents a ground-breaking solution to help solve a really pressing need for children with a range of complex needs across our town and neighbouring Redcar. It was uplifting to see the school and wider provision in use, making a difference and improving lives. The joy on the faces of staff and pupils alike was fantastic to see.”

Katrina Morley, CEO of Tees Valley Education, added: “Discovery’s building is a beacon of excellence for specialist provision and education. Its legacy is already changing lives and will continue to do so for generations to come.

“The mayor’s visit to see the academy, the children and staff was a welcome recognition of the endeavour, commitment, care and courage that so many groups and individuals have shown in delivering this project over more than seven years.”

The facility features a mixture of bespoke therapy suites and rooms designed to support the development of children with complex and significant medical, physical and learning needs.

Katrina said the range of brand new facilities, including “ground-breaking” rebound therapy using specialised trampolines, alongside skilled physiotherapists and occupational therapists would allow children “to access their pathways of need” on one site.

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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