Work starts on new SEND school

Work has started on a new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities in Hull, the city council said.

Willowfield Academy will cater for 125 pupils with severe physical and/or learning difficulties and create up to 100 full time jobs.

Hull City Council said the building's low-carbon design will include a mixture of teaching and therapy spaces and a hydrotherapy pool.

The authority said the new school would allow more children from Hull with specialist needs to receive an education closer to home, with reduced travelling time, better outcomes and reduced costs.

The school will have dedicated vehicle access from Inglemire Lane and a parking area with accessible spaces, vehicle charging and a minibus drop-off area.

The council said the school would also have new hard and soft play areas and landscaped areas.

Councillor Linda Tock, who is the portfolio holder for children's services at the authority, said: "Every child in Hull is entitled to an education in an environment which enables them to maximise their learning, and this exciting project will help to achieve that."

Willowfield Academy is being delivered by Hull City Council and Hull Esteem LEP. The development is being completed by Sewell Construction with funding from the Department for Education.

Frederick Holmes School and Platform Daycare Centre will remaining open throughout the construction phase, the council said.

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices