A SPECIAL school in the Vale is moving to Barry as part of massive expansion plans.
More than £150,000 is being invested by the Vale of Glamorgan Council to establish a second base for the award-winning Ysgol Y Deri school for children with additional learning needs.
The building that formerly housed Ysgol Sant Baruc in Barry will be renovated and retrofitted with a range of specialist equipment to provide learning for 60 pupils and staff.
Ysgol Y Deri Barry will include features such as a cooking room, a therapy room, new reception and break-out areas for parents and carers, and a purpose-built on-site dining room.
Work will commence on the building in July with a view to opening its doors to pupils in September.
Ysgol Y Deri is opening in Barry as a temporary measure while a new purpose build building, currently known as Ysgol Y Deri 2, is being developed at Cosmeston, near Penarth.
The Cosmeston development looks to be going ahead after the Welsh Government chose not to call in the planning application and make the final decision over it – the application had already been approved by a VOG planning committee in March.
‘Without a new building we’ll have to compromise on class sizes’ says Ysgol Y Deri head
Head of Ysgol Y Deri, Chris Britten said the new building is vital to give as many children as possible access to the school’s services.
“The huge success of Ysgol Y Deri means that our school is already oversubscribed,” said Mr Britten.
“At the same time demand and complexity of need continue both to grow rapidly. In the best interests of the children and young people we support we simply cannot wait for the new building to open.
“We want to give as many children and young people access to the wonderful learning environment that we offer.
“Without a new building that would mean compromising on class sizes, something that would not improve the experience of those already studying with us.
“Ysgol Y Deri Barry will provide pupils with a space designed to meet their needs as part of this transition. We support pupils from all across the Vale and so it will also make travelling to school easier for many.
“The renovations will make it feel like a natural extension of our Penarth school, and most importantly make it feel like home for those who attend.”
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet member for education, arts and the Welsh language, said council staff are excited by the plans.
“Ysgol Y Deri is rightly lauded for its facilities,” said Cllr Birch.
“With the new Barry campus, we have the opportunity to take all the design elements and technology that make the Penarth school great and put these into a smaller, more homely setting.”
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