Sladewood Academy officially opens for new pupils
Sladewood Academy, a new primary special school, held its official opening last week.
The 60-place special school, which opened in September, celebrated the successful founding of the new school and thanked those who have been part of the project.
Over £1 million has been spent to refurbish the old Severn View Primary School in Stroud to include new breakout, therapy and intervention rooms, a new kitchen, and a dedicated pick-up and drop-off point for school transport.
Cllr Philip Robinson, cabinet member for education, skills, and bus transport at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “As a former teacher, I know how important an investment like this is to communities. The gift of a good education keeps on giving across the generations, which is why we’re investing over £100 million in schools and over £30 million to create more special school places where they are needed.”
The project was delivered by regional contractor, Speller Metcalfe, who have worked closely with the council on a number of projects over the years, and are currently on their fourth iteration of the Gloucestershire County Council framework.
Guests were invited to listen to speeches by Martin Hughes, Chief Executive of SAND Academies Trust, Katy Hanna, Headteacher of Sladewood Academy, and Kirsten Harrison, Director of Education at Gloucestershire County Council, thanking them for their part in the project.
Headteacher, Katy Hanna, said: “I feel privileged in being able to share our school with the community, pupils and families we are working with. The school environment contributes to our overall ethos of ‘Together we Thrive’. This embeds our core values of love of learning, kindness and relationships. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of this project, enabling more pupils to meet their full potential.”
The school was officially opened by pupils running through a green ribbon. While guests were invited on tours of the school, pupils took part in activities to mark the official opening, such as painting a canvas that will go up on display.
Andy Metcalfe, managing director of Speller Metcalfe, said: “We’re delighted to have been a part of making the trust and council’s vision of a modern school for pupils with additional needs into a reality. It’s great to see the school open its doors to its new community, who we know will benefit from the scheme for years to come.”
(Image of students and teaching staff: Gloucestershire County Council)
