Yorkshire specialist support school furthers reach with £2m extension by Teesside contractor

Construction work has begun on a £2m extension to Kirkleatham Hall School that will aid a growing number of students needing specialist support across Redcar and Cleveland.

Kirkleatham Hall School provides support to pupils between the ages of two and 19 who have a wide range of learning difficulties. The project has been funded by Redcar and Cleveland Council and the Department for Education.

Teesside based contractor Tolent is underway with the first phase of work which includes a single storey extension to provide two new classrooms and associated sensory and therapy rooms.

A second phase will include a new main entrance and reception area and extension to the main hall that will double in size to provide the school with enough flexibility to ensure all student needs are catered for. Corridors around the building will also be widened where possible to accommodate wheel and power chair users.

The new bespoke sensory hall, with rebound therapy and a range of multi-sensory equipment, will ensure students who thrive in this environment will be able to access these facilities more regularly throughout the week.

Paul McLean, head teacher at Kirkleatham Hall School, said: “We are incredibly excited about this project and the positive impact this will have on existing and future learners.

“We are very proud of the offer we’re able to give to our students and once this project is complete, we’ll be able to provide similar opportunities and experiences for more young people with special education needs (SEN) within Redcar and Cleveland, of which there is increasing demand.”

Councillor Alison Barnes, cabinet member for children, said: “This has the potential to improve the lives of children, young people and their families now, and for many years to come. It is a vitally important project at a time when demand for specialist education services is increasing.

Rick Halton, regional director for Tolent, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the school and wider project team with this project that we know will make a difference to many families in the area.

“We have an extensive portfolio of education works having delivered life changing schools, community hubs and inclusive educational spaces across the wider North East region. Creating a space to allow students to fulfil their potential is vital, and we look forward to achieving our clients’ vision for this project.”