Pupils design hub to improve special needs support

Children have helped to design a new specialist learning facility for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Two music rooms at Healing Academy, in Grimsby, are being transformed into classrooms, breakout spaces and a sensory room for pupils with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

The new facility, called the Hive@Healing, will offer support for children who may have difficulty learning in a mainstream school without specialist help.

It is part of a wider programme to develop school places for children with EHCPs in North East Lincolnshire.

Healing Academy educates more than 800 children aged between 11 and 16 and is run by Harbour Learning Trust.

The trust said it had consulted children on the design, testing materials and the logo for the new centre.

Children from Healing Academy and Cambridge Park Academy, a special school, formed working parties to develop the concept.

Stephen Logan, the principal at Healing Academy, described it as an "exciting step".

"This is not just a new provision, it's a gateway to brighter futures, and we can't wait to see the incredible opportunities it will bring," he said.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, the portfolio holder for children and education at North East Lincolnshire Council said it was "wonderful" to see children taking part in the project and praised the school for doing "a tremendous job".

Hive@Healing is due to open in September. Details of the admission criteria for SEND pupils can be found on the school's website.

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