Newcastle-under-Lyme pupils enjoy their new classrooms

The new facilities have given the school an opportunity to extend their high-quality educational provision for pupils with complex special educational needs. 

The building offers pupils a calm and inclusive learning environment, with a bright and spacious main classroom. Beyond the main teaching space, the facility has a range of additional rooms, tailored to meet the diverse needs of the pupils.

Facilities also include a dedicated sensory room, a sensory diet room designed for targeted therapeutic interventions, a dedicated therapy room and some additional small group teaching rooms. It blends opportunities for group learning and social interaction, with quieter areas essential for focused and individualised support. 

The £910,000 project which has created additional spaces at the school, was jointly funded by Staffordshire County Council and Merryfields School, who are a member of the Manor Hall Academy Trust.

Neil Brannigan, Headteacher at Merryfields School said: “The opening of our new building is a demonstration of our commitment to providing all pupils in our school with the opportunities to thrive and reach their potential.

“This is an exciting new chapter for Merryfields School and we are eager to see the positive impact it will have on our pupils. We know that the correct environment can have a profound impact on pupils with special educational needs and we are confident that these incredible facilities will empower our pupils to achieve their potential.” 

Tim Moss, Staffordshire County Council’s Assistant Director for Education, Strategy and Improvement, said: “It’s great to see the children settling into their new classrooms and enjoying their learning and their play time. 

“The new facility is not only providing important additional places but also looks great and I’m sure will enhance the children’s learning. It’s all part of the council’s plans to improve existing school facilities across the county and providing more places for children with special educational needs and disabilities.” 

An event to celebrate the opening on 11 April included singing from the choir, speeches from school prefects and an Easter Bonnet Parade. Children, staff, and parents were joined by partners from the schools Local Academy Board, the Manor Hall Academy Trust, along with representatives from Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. 

The county council remains committed to providing children with specialist SEND support as early as possible and has trained teachers to provide more support in mainstream schools. It has also invested in additional educational psychologists, SEND keyworkers and EY SENCOS to speed up and support with the increasing demand for assessments.