A ‘steel signing’ ceremony has taken place to mark a milestone in the construction of a new special school in Deighton.
The new school is being built for Joseph Norton Academy on the site of the old Deighton Centre in Deighton Road.
Once completed Joseph Norton Academy will relocate from its cramped and outdated premises in Scissett and change its name to Josie Thirkell Academy.
The new site is more central to Kirklees and will double the pupil roll. It will offer a state-of-the-art learning environment for around 132 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
The signing of a steel girder marked the completion of the building’s main structural frame and representatives from the academy, Kirklees Council, Wellspring Academy Trust and Wates Construction attended.
The next part of the development will see work start on the exterior of the building.
The multi-million pound project is part of Kirklees Council’s investment for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Clr Graham Turner adds his signature to the steel girder
Clr Carole Pattison, leader of Kirklees Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see our plans for the new Joseph Norton Academy really taking shape now that the outline of the building is visible.
“Signing the steel marks an exciting milestone and brings us one step closer to creating an inspiring, supportive school where every child has the chance to thrive.
“The new facilities highlight our ongoing investment in SEND services across Kirklees. We’re committed to providing the right support and opportunities for children with additional needs, and this new school will play a big role in helping us meet that need.”
Todd Cheetham, head of school at Joseph Norton Academy, said: “It was a genuine pleasure to attend the signing the steel ceremony and witness first-hand the remarkable progress being made on site.
“There is something uniquely rewarding about seeing the structural framework rise from the ground, marking a significant milestone for pupils.”
Kirklees Council’s service director for development Joanne Bartholomew
Dan Miller, operations director at Wates, said: “Drawing on our extensive experience of constructing education facilities across the country, we are delivering a school where the design, layout and facilities will work for every learner.
“I’d like to thank the project team and our partners for their hard work and commitment to keeping the build on schedule.
“Their dedication is helping us create a school environment that reflects how important a setting like this is in a child’s life, a place designed to give every learner the right surroundings to grow and feel supported.”
Kirklees Council is also funding a major project to relocate and rebuild Woodley School and College in Almondbury, which supports autistic pupils aged five to 19. Additional SEND places are also being created across other schools in the district.
