The cost of establishing a new Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) school in Derby has risen by over £1.7 million, according to a recent report from the Derby City Council. An urgent council meeting has been convened to approve additional funding necessary for relocating Castle School to St James House on Mansfield Road later this year.
The total expenditure for setting up the new school has now reached approximately £2.5 million, driven by the identification of “essential requirements.” The Labour-led council had authorized the acquisition of St James House and the necessary works to convert the site into a school in November 2024. A planning application was approved in 2023, permitting the upper floors of the building to be utilized as a SEND educational facility.
Increased Capacity and Essential Upgrades
The new school is expected to accommodate 100 pupils, marking a significant increase from the current 40 places at Castle School on Cedar Street. The ground floor of St James House will continue to house an engineering consultancy. The new facility will also include 24 car parking spaces.
The council has emphasized the importance of ensuring the school is operational by September 2024. However, unforeseen costs have prompted the need for additional funding. The council indicated that these cost increases stem from requirements to meet current fire regulations, upgrade ventilation systems, and replace windows for better noise insulation.
According to the council report, “A phased approach to the design and works has been undertaken, and the council has already successfully completed works to the third floor of the building.” Initial costs for this phase were managed within the original budget. Yet, the total expense for completing all works has escalated to £2.553 million, necessitating further budget approval of £1.753 million.
Commitment to Safety and Quality Education
The council has assured that the new school will provide “a first-class inclusive environment,” equipped with modern learning and therapeutic facilities. The upper levels of St James House were previously used for educational purposes when St Mary’s Catholic Primary School was temporarily relocated there following a fire in 2020.
Concerns regarding the safety of students, particularly because the building will be shared with a company, were raised during a council meeting in September. Blagreaves Councillor Sara Bolton addressed these issues, stating that safeguarding measures had been thoroughly examined. “The safeguarding issues were gone through with a fine-tooth comb,” she asserted, adding that there is an entrance intercom and CCTV cameras installed for security.
The urgent council meeting to discuss the funding for the new SEND school is scheduled for February 19, 2024. As the project progresses, the council remains committed to delivering a safe and effective educational environment for students with special needs.
