Work is progressing on a new £16million school in Pensnett for children with complex needs.
Pens Meadow School is being completely rebuilt on the former Pensnett High School site.
The new school’s metal structure is in the process of being erected and the modern multi-use game area has been installed, which includes an astroturf football pitch. The hydrotherapy pool has been lowered into place ahead of the building being built around it.
The rebound pit for an inset ground-level trampoline is also in place as well as a new car park. Permeable membranes for a sports pitch are in place and dug out areas will be filled in with selected excavated materials to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
Once completed, the school will be able to provide education for up to 155 children and young people aged 3 to 19, together with a nursery assessment unit for the borough.
The purpose-built building will deliver better facilities for pupils with complex needs and severe learning difficulties, including autism and those with profound and multiple learning difficulties.
It will have therapy rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, changing facilities, outdoor teaching and play areas, a forest school area and 14 larger classrooms where the layouts can be adapted for children with additional needs.
There will also be a food technology room with independent living space to prepare pupils for adult life. A rebound room with a large trampoline sunk into the floor will promote exercise and help pupils develop motor skills.
There is a focus on sustainability within the design, with plans for PV panels to turn sunlight into electricity and air source heat pumps to help heat the school.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:
“Work is really gathering pace on site, with so many of the structures already in place ahead of walls and the roof going on. I’m delighted to see the progress being made and look forward to welcoming the children to their excellent new facilities in due course.”
Marie Hunter, Headteacher of Pens Meadow School, said:
“The pupils aged 14 – 19 who are already at the Pensnett site in the existing buildings are very excited to see the building emerge from the ground.
“Interclass worked with us to support our work related learning day, with pupils able to access some of the large vehicles on site and have a tour. We can really see how the new facilities will enhance the provision for our Pens Meadow Community.”
Des O’Neill, managing director of Interclass, said:
“We are proud to be bringing this state-of-the-art facility to life, and reaching the key milestone of erecting the steel structure marks an exciting step forward for the project. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming students on-site for a work-related learning day, where they got a firsthand look at the progress being made.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how these new facilities will make a meaningful difference for both the students and the wider community for years to come.”
Construction is expected to be complete in the summer of 2025. The school is set to be fully operational in January 2026, with a phased transition for some of the pupils to the new site starting in the autumn of 2025.
