PLANS for a new school on the site of former high-rise flats in Grimsby have been approved by Councillors.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet met last night (Wednesday) to discuss proposals for a new free school following an alternative offer from the Department for Education.
As previously reported, the Department for Education, which originally allocated funding to the project in 2023 following a bid by the Council a year earlier, announced in December that it would offer Councils across the country the opportunity to spend the cash on other projects to improve education for children with additional needs.
Since then, North East Lincolnshire Council officers have had extensive discussions with partners and considered the options available, including investing further in resource specialist provisions similar to those unveiled recently at schools in Healing, Scartho and Waltham.
After much discussion at a Cabinet meeting at Grimsby Town Hall, Councillors voted unanimously to proceed with the plans for the school, aimed at supporting children with social and emotional mental health (SEMH) needs.
Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said that Councillors had carefully considered the options available.
“We know how many families in our area and across the country struggle to find appropriate education settings to support their children, and our research has highlighted a need in this area in particular.
“In Cabinet, Councillors carefully considered the options available, and how the money could be invested alternatively, but ultimately we agreed that plans for a free school for children with social and emotional mental health challenges in North East Lincolnshire are the best way forward.”
Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Philip Jackson, added:
“That particular site near Freeman Street in Grimsby, has been empty for some time, and so this is not just an opportunity to support a group of children who will benefit from a new school, but also offers the possibility of prompting wider regeneration.
“A development like this one creates skilled jobs, and increases the number of people in that part of town thereby supporting local businesses.
“I’m pleased that my Cabinet colleagues agreed to support the proposals.”
Councillors previously pledged £1m of capital funding towards the project, though late last year a report from the environment agency revealed that the project would need a further £2.2-2.3-million for the project to reduce the risk of flooding.
The Council will now look to proceed with plans to build the new school.
*Cabinet members approved a recommendation from The Children Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Panel that the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children and Education be authorised to explore safeguards around exposure to risk of increasing costs and for the Children and Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Panel to retain oversight.
Above is a photo of (from left) Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council, and Director of Children’s Services, Ann-Marie Matson.
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