Green shoots: School expands to offer specialist support in Grimsby

Work has started at Fairfield Academy in Grimsby to transform part of the school to deliver specialist support to children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

The project – called the Emerald Hub – is being funded by North East Lincolnshire Council, and is part of wider plans to create more than 100-new places for children with additional needs in the area over the coming years.

Due to open later in the autumn term, the Emerald Hub will eventually cater for 18-students who each have an EHCP and a primary need of communication and interaction.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell, portfolio holder for children an education at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:

“I’m really pleased to see these plans coming into fruition, and contractors starting on site. These places are desperately needed, and it’s vitally important that all children get the support they need to be able to learn and thrive.

“I look forward to seeing the new Emerald Hub opening later this year.”

Fairfield Academy principal, Katie McGuire, said:

“The David Ross Education Trust is delighted to be partnering with the local authority to provide bespoke provision for children that need something additional to the mainstream offer for education.

“We are looking forward to transitioning our new pupils into Fairfield Academy; we feel strongly that all children should have the opportunity to come to a setting that fully meets their needs.

Emerald Hub lead, teacher and SENCO, Lucianna Ashton-Smith, added:

“We know that there is a need in our local community for resource-based provision and the Emerald Hub will meet this need, enabling many pupils to attend a school in their community and still have their needs met.

“It’s a great privilege to lead on this new venture.”

Year five pupil at Fairfield Academy, Lainee, said:

“The Emerald Hub is named after our value of Ambition; being the best you can be.

“I think it’s a great thing to do. These children will get a great education in a way that they need and then they could go to college later.”

Another Year five pupil, Ivana, said:

“We are excited about having another part to our school! Our Emerald reminds us that we are precious, and our new children will be precious too.

“I like that they will come and join us in our classrooms and playgrounds.”

The work on site is being carried out by Topcon Building Ltd, working with North East Lincolnshire Council.