The Isle of Wight’s first school dedicated to children and young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs has opened in East Cowes.
See the gallery of photos above
The former IW Studio School on Grange Road has undergone a major refurbishment to provide specialist provision for initially 20 pupils.
St George's Studio — a satellite site for St George's School in Newport — offers tailored facilities in a modern learning environment.
Read more: Isle of Wight Council to go ahead with school closures consultation
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.
The school 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, an art room, a gaming suite, workshops with equipment to develop practical skills, a multi-purpose hall and outdoor table tennis tables.
As the number of young people increases, so will the accommodation, with more classrooms and science labs.
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.
Cllr 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."
This evening (Thursday, September 12), the IW Council voted to go ahead with a consultation on whether six primary schools will close next year.
Wherever possible, it is proposed that more school sites, identified for potential closure, will be repurposed to provide much-needed specialist facilities like St George's Studio to meet the needs of Island children.
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Read the rules here