Plans to extend Nenegate Academy were approved by Peterborough City Council’s cabinet yesterday (Tuesday, 17 December).
The special school in Park Lane, Peterborough is the only one of its kind in Peterborough. Run by the Meridian Trust, it offers education for pupils aged eight to 16 with social, emotional and mental health difficulties (SEMH) identified as their primary need.
At present the school has 48 secondary age pupils and 16 who are primary age. It is currently operating at capacity. At present, there are an additional 24 pupils who require an SEMH placement across the city – with this number set to increase - which is why an extension to the school is needed.
The only other option is to place these pupils in schools out of the area, as well as being less than ideal for the pupils and families themselves, this would cost Peterborough City Council an estimated £28million in 10 years, with additional significant travel costs.
The extension at Nenegate Special School is expected to be ready to accept new pupils by September 2026 onwards. It would include a new teaching block with five classrooms.
It will be used to educate an additional 40 pupils at the school, across a phased period of two years. As a result of the extension, the school would also extend its primary setting to the whole of Key Stage Two (years three to six).
Councillor Katy Cole, cabinet member for children’s services at Peterborough City Council, said: “This decision will allow the Trust to proceed with the project to refurbish and extend the building at Nenegate, which in turn will enable the council to meet its statutory duty to provide school spaces.
“As well as being the right thing to do for young people with SEMH in the city, this will also save the council a considerable amount of future expense in providing school places.”