Proposal to relocate Atkinson House Special School approved

12 Jan 2022 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Cabinet has agreed the publication of a statutory proposal to relocate Atkinson House Special School to a former school site in Ponteland and to change the designation of the school to become co-educational. Statutory consultation will now start on Thursday 13 January and run until midnight on Thursday 10 February 2022. 

A 6-week consultation took place at the end of 2021 which sought the views of stakeholders including staff, pupils and local residents.  
Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for children’s services, said: “Cabinet has agreed to the officer recommendation based on the educational rationale of the proposal and the feedback received through the consultation process.  

“It is important we continue to support our children and young people and by providing this opportunity to co-educate we will be able to provide much-needed additional places for young people, including girls, in Northumberland with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH).” 

Cabinet also approved feasibility and design works circa £250,000 to be undertaken.  

Formal consultation will now take place with a final decision being made by Cabinet in March.  

Residents, pupils and staff are encouraged to take part at nland.uk/SchoolConsultations from Thursday 13 January.

To view the full report click here.