Sladewood Academy in Stroud officially opens

Over £1 million has been spent to refurbish the old Severn View Primary School in Stroud to include new breakout, therapy and intervention rooms, a new kitchen, and a dedicated pick-up and drop-off point for school transport.

Guests were invited to listen to speeches by Martin Hughes, chief executive of SAND Academies Trust, Katy Hanna, Headteacher of Sladewood Academy, and Kirsten Harrison, director of education at Gloucestershire County Council, thanking them for their part in the project.

The 60-place special school was officially opened by pupils running through a green ribbon.

While guests were invited on tours of the school, pupils took part in activities to mark the official opening, such as painting a canvas that will go up on display.

Headteacher Katy Hanna said: “I feel privileged in being able to share our school with the community, pupils and families we are working with.

"The school environment contributes to our overall ethos of 'Together we Thrive'.

"This embeds our core values of love of learning, kindness and relationships.

"I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of this project, enabling more pupils to meet their full potential.”

Cllr Philip Robinson, cabinet member for education, skills, and bus transport at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “As a former teacher, I know how important an investment like this is to communities.

"The gift of a good education keeps on giving across the generations, which is why we’re investing over £100 million in schools and over £30 million to create more special school places where they are needed.”

Andy Metcalfe, managing director of Speller Metcalfe, said: “We’re delighted to have been a part of making the trust and council’s vision of a modern school for pupils with additional needs into a reality.

"It’s great to see the school open its doors to its new community, who we know will benefit from the scheme for years to come.”