Formerly empty Black Country nursery now home to special school satellite

The Nest centre, in Moxley Road, Darlaston, is being operated by the longstanding Old Hall School based in Bentley Lane, in Willenhall, and recently opened its doors to pupils and staff.

After a building revamp the new facility which replaced a disused nursery is now home to specialist early years and Key Stage 1 provision for  more than 40 children with severe learning disabilities and complex Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).

The centre features four purpose-built classrooms, two sensory rooms, a dedicated wellbeing room, outdoor spaces for each class, as well as playgrounds and a forest school area and is part of the school's and Walsall Council's efforts to expand the number of special educational needs and disabilities places in the borough. 

Old Hall School and The Nest head Suzanne Davies said: "We have created an environment that mirrors the main site, where children flourish, feel safe, and develop at their own pace. We pride ourselves on creating a warm, friendly environment, with specialist teaching and care. 

"The Nest is designed to be a place where children can enjoy the very best start to their education and early life."

Walsall's education chief Councillor Pardeep Kaur added: “Demand for special school places is rising. In Walsall we want to provide places locally for our children and families, so it’s brilliant to hear about The Nest’s development.



“Old Hall School is already providing an amazing education to its pupils, and only recently, have been graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in every single available category.



“The Nest will build upon this amazing work and will holistically support children’s education around their specific needs, in order for them to thrive and be happy.”

In March last year the council approved £18.6 million of funding to create more special school places.