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08
Oct 2024
Cost of creating new Harrogate autism school falls dramatically
The cost of converting a former Harrogate primary school into a school for children with autism has almost halved.
Woodfield Community Primary School closed in 2022 and is due to be refurbished in time to reopen in September next year.
It will cater for up to 80 pupils with autism aged 11 to 19.
North Yorkshire Council initially said the cost of converting the school would be £3.5 million. But it has now awarded a contract worth £2 million to Wetherby construction firm The Together Group to adapt the Woodfield site.
The Stray Ferret asked the council why the cost of the scheme appeared to have decreased so much.
Assistant director for inclusion Amanda Newbold said:
The initial figure quoted was an estimate for the cost of works that may be required. After a detailed specification for the works required, the cost has reduced significantly.
A decision notice on the council website, which you san see here, said it held a competitive procurement exercise between February and July this year and work is due to begin this month and be completed in May 2025.
The site, off Woodfield Road, includes large playing fields. We asked the council for details of what the work will entail and whether the new school will be on the same footprint as the old one.
Ms Newbold said:
The work involves remodelling and refurbishment of the existing building to ensure that it meets the requirements of the new school and its pupils. The school will be extended to include additional classroom space but will otherwise operate from the existing building.
Delayed opening
The council previously announced the opening date of September 2024 had been pushed back a year, but did not give a reason.
Ms Newbold said the school was still “expected” to open in September next year but a decision on which academy trust will run it has yet to be made. Parents are still waiting to hear when they can apply for places.
Ms Newbold said:
Our special education needs team will discuss placements with parents of children who have an educational health care plan and whose needs can be met in the school, before September next year.
Since 2016, the number of children in North Yorkshire with identified special educational needs and disability and a legally-binding education, health and care plan has increased by more than 110 per cent.
This has led to a shortage of special school places and numerous children being taught by independent providers.
Independent day sector placements typically cost the public purse up to £70,000 annually and the average cost of a special school placement is about £23,000.
The council is therefore forecasting savings of up to £4 million over the first five years of the new school.
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