WEST Lothian Council has announced that its biggest ever investment in schools for pupils with additional support needs is progressing well.
Over £29 million is promised to be spent by the local authority in what it said will provide the ‘best possible’ learning and care environment for local pupils.
Construction has already commenced on one of the facilities within the wider project, with BAM Construction commencing work on the £7 million replacement of Cedarbank School in Livingston. The standalone facility will bring 130 Cedarbank pupils together under the one roof when it opens in 2022.
Ogilvie School Campus is also currently undergoing a £3.3 million extension and refurbishment, which the council said Maxi Construction is due to complete this month. This work includes three new classrooms, general purpose room and soft play room, as well as new outside play areas and access improvements.
The local authority also confirmed that further to this are plans to deliver a £5.8 million redevelopment of Pinewood School in Blackburn. Site works are scheduled to commence in April and will include the demolition of the original block, construction of a new extension comprising a games hall, dining hall, office accommodation and additional classrooms.
Alongside this are plans to deliver a £13.5 million new build school to replace Beatlie School Campus in Livingston, which provides specialist education for pupils aged 3 to 18 with severe and complex medical needs.
Executive councillor for education David Dodds said: “It’s fantastic to see a major investment programme in our schools for pupils with additional support needs underway.
“With Ogilvie almost completed and work starting on Cedarbank recently, we have already started to deliver fantastic new facilities that will hugely benefit the whole school communities.
“We look forward to construction work starting at Beatlie and Pinewood in the near future, ensuring we have quality facilities in place for pupils who need them from all over West Lothian.”
