Work has begun to build a new school in Carlisle.
The new school, on Edgehill Road in Harraby, will provide specialist support to young people who are unable to access mainstream education due to social, emotional, and mental health issues.
Contractor Roland Hill Ltd has started the initial phase of work on the site, which include ground and external work.
The school will cater for up to 40 pupils and is due to be complete in the winter.
Councillor Sue Sanderson, cabinet member for schools and learning, said: “I’m so pleased that work has started on the Carlisle site.
“”This school will go a long way in ensuring all children in Cumbria are able to access education, whatever their needs, offering a specialist local alternative.
“This is great news for families in Cumbria, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the new school develop.”
Rachel Clark, headteacher at the Gillford Centre Pupil Referral Unit, who will also provide leadership for the new school, said: “Alternative provision can offer a lifeline to young people and their families by tailoring support from specialist teachers and smaller classes to help them focus and fulfil their potential.
“It is vital that we unlock opportunities and improve education for those children who cannot access mainstream education.
“I am looking forward to working with these children to endeavour to foster a love of education, enabling them to have the best possible outcomes.
A Roland Hill spokesman said: “We are extremely excited to be working with the county council on this important project.
“Ground and external works have now commenced on the Carlisle site, and in the coming weeks, the school will start to take shape with the pre-fabricated units comprising the school building beginning to be lifted onto the site.”
The Carlisle site is the first of two alternative provision schools being developed, with an additional site in Barrow also being developed, providing spaces for another 40 young people.
The schools, in Barrow and Carlisle, will be managed by the council’s Pupil Referral Services department, providing new and additional space to complement existing facilities at Newbridge House and the Gilford Centre.
