Proposals to create a new additional support needs (ASN) school in West Dunbartonshire will “enhance” current educational provision according to a Scottish Government agency.
Education Scotland believes that the proposals to develop the ASN campus on the site of the former Riverside Early Learning and Childcare (ELCC) site at St Martin’s Primary in Alexandria will also have “educational benefits”.
Following a public consultation which took place last year a response from Education Scotland presented to councillors at their most recent meeting said: “HM Inspectors agree that the proposal has the potential to bring clear educational benefits for young people with additional support needs attending the new school. A shared campus will create joint learning opportunities for both the new school and the existing primary school.
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“Inspectors agree that the new facility will enhance the current provision for children and young people with additional support needs across West Dunbartonshire. The shared campus will ensure that the building that is currently empty, is put to good use.”
Two public consultations were held on October 25 last year to explain the proposal and allow interested parties to ask questions regarding it.
A total of 15 people attended the face to face public meeting but none attended the online virtual meeting.
An online survey was also available during the consultation period with the majority of respondents in favour of creating the new school.
During Wednesday’s meeting, councillor Karen Conaghan said: “The report says the council will share proposed plans as soon as it is practical and I was just wondering what the timetable for that was.
“There seems to be a lot of concerns because people don’t know what the plans are or how they will progress.
“It came up during consultation that it would be good to share those plans as soon as was practical and get a timeline from you to give reassurance to parents and carers who have concerns.
“I am really pleased with the plans. It is good we are looking to provide a learning environment that is appropriate for all of our children as best we can. I look forward to seeing how this will progress.”
A council officer confirmed that they are working with building services and plans will be shared in due course.
They said: “We have been working up plans for building warrants. Once we have that we will be able to share them.”
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