An ambitious plan to create much-needed additional specialist school provision in Coventry is set to take another step forward.
A tendering process has closed on delivering the exciting redevelopment of the former Woodlands School.
The scheme will bring together provision currently being delivered on two separate sites by Woodfield School, which was rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted earlier this year.
A report on the project will go to Coventry City Council’s Cabinet committee on 15 May. The report, which is expected to be approved, will ask for an additional £1.6m to deliver the transformative project that will create an additional 200 new school places for SEND pupils.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “Creating additional SEND provision is a key priority for the Council and this excellent scheme will help us achieve that.
“This project will transform and utilise a currently vacant education building with listed status, so I think it is key that we maximise and invest into our education assets for the benefit of children and young people and the local community.
“The completion of this project will provide a future proofed fit for purpose educational environment, offering a full range of facilities including sport to learners, with the capacity to grow.”
The need for additional funding is a result of a number of external factors.
National inflationary pressures means an increase in the costs of building materials, which has subsequently seen the cost of the project rise.
Other factors such as the complexities of the design and refurbishment of the listed building, survey costs and the increased timescales associated with the complex planning requirements have also impacted the cost of the development.
It is anticipated that the new school will open by September 2025.