Pupils to get temporary learning space in Walsall while new building is under construction
Plans to give vulnerable Walsall pupils a temporary school building while a fit for purpose new one is built have been given the go ahead.
Walsall Council’s cabinet gave the green light to provide £850,000 to convert an old Willenhall family centre into a base for the troubled New Leaf Centre pupil referral unit.
A planning application for the temporary site at the Stroud Avenue Family Centre and Spindle Tree Rise children’s home site, is expected to be made next month and work to convert it will take up to eight weeks.
The council previously approved plans to build a £7.5 million new facility in Bloxwich following a damning Ofsted report in 2018, which said the existing Rushall building was in a very poor condition.
During a visit, inspectors also witnessed children swearing at each other, fire alarms being set off and youngsters attempting to smash through locked doors.
Councillor Chris Towe, portfolio holder for education and skills said: “The local authority and Ofsted had agreed that the current building that houses the New Leaf Centre Pupil Referral Unit is not appropriate for educating some of our most vulnerable pupils.
“A decision to create a new build has been taken and approved by cabinet.
“But as this scheme is estimated not to be completed until September 2022, the LA has made the decision to provide a short term solution for this educational setting whilst the permanent building is on the way.
“To that end, the Stroud Family Centre and Spindle Tree Rise Children’s Home has been identified as the setting that can provide the best education for those pupils.
“The project costs are estimated at £850,000 with the funding being identified within the capital programme.”
