Delays in the development of three temporary classrooms for children with additional support needs have not impacted learning experiences, according to West Dunbartonshire Council bosses.
The accommodation in the Kilpatrick School Campus, which would include a sensory room, was initially expected to be installed in 2022/23 and allow children with ASN (additional support needs) currently placed outside West Dunbartonshire to receive an education in their own local authority as long as it was suitable.
Despite the delay at Kilpatrick, plans to redevelop the former Riverside Early Learning and Childcare Centre (ELCC) to create a school for severe and complex learners are progressing well with the building expected to be completed in time for school session 2024-2025.
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As it stands, there are currently 12,226 school pupils in West Dunbartonshire Council, with 5281 pupils described as having ASN and supported mainly in mainstream schools.
Around 241 pupils are educated in specialist settings as they require a more specific learning environment. There is also a small percentage of children and young people with additional support needs supported by day or residential providers in external placements.
A report was brought before the education committee last week.
Chairwoman councillor Clare Steele said: “I think in every committee I have chaired I have brought up the number of ASN children within our mainstream schools, and I do that also as a parent of a child with ASN who is in a mainstream setting.
“It is great to see that a lot of our kids are able to access mainstream school settings and I know there is a need there for further support.
“I know you said the Kilpatrick Estate is progressing well but there is a delay so I would like an update on that.”
Claire Cusick, Senior Education Officer, said: “The Kilpatrick delay was due to planning consents and consents to move to the building. I am due to meet with the asset team to look at that but it hasn’t impacted on the experience of learning and teaching for the staff or the children because of the high quality of the contingency planning in place.”
