Next step in plans to replace 'Dickensian' St Clement's School in Dingwall with state of the art replacement set to be taken by Highland Council committee
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Councillors on Highland Council's education committee will next week decide whether or not to recommend a proposal to build a replacement St Clement’s special school in Dingwall.
The decision, if accepted, is the most concrete step yet to ending the decades-long fight by parents and the community to provide the correct level of facilities for some of the most vulnerable pupils in the Highlands.
For more than 20 years the St Clement’s school community has campaigned for a new school due to the well-known poor conditions of the current building which were described by local MSP Kate Forbes as “Dickensian.”
READ more on the campaign for something better
It comes after the conclusion of the statutory consultation process launched after the local authority finally but decisively moved to borrow the £13 million necessary to build a new facility.
The formal consultation period ran from March 2 April 29 and saw parents, teachers, councillors, officers, Education Scotland all engaged on the new plans for the new site at Docharty Brae in the west of the town.
At the education committee councillors will be asked to consider the proposal to build a new campus, the representations made at the public meeting and the report from Education Scotland.
Importantly they are asked to agree to recommend to the council that St. Clement’s School be relocated to the site off Dochcarty Brae to allow the construction of a new school building.
Education Officer Ian Jackson said: “The Highland Council has had a longstanding commitment to replace St. Clement’s School. The school provides for some of the most vulnerable children in Highland, some with life-limiting conditions, and the current school accommodation is unsatisfactory.
“A new school building will provide an opportunity to place the needs of every child at the centre of the school’s design. It would offer good quality accommodation that provides a safe, healthy and visually stimulating environment, flexible teaching spaces, better facilities for visiting specialists, and a healthier, less stressful environment.”
That was a point touched on by Education Scotland in its response stating: “There are considerable educational benefits in the proposal to replace and relocate St Clement’s School.
“We agree that the new building should be of a quality that supports and improves outcomes for learners placed at the school.
"The current poor quality accommodation at St Clement’s can pose issues for the dignity of children and young people, as well as accessibility issues."
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“Purpose-built classrooms and flexible teaching spaces could enhance considerably the learning environment of the school. The movement of children and young people in wheelchairs is currently restricted due to the existing layout and design of St Clement’s.
“Having more space and touch-pad doors would provide more equitable access for all learners to move throughout the school. Improved acoustics could support the dignity of individuals and help children and young people to maintain focus on their learning.
“Sensory rooms, improved medical and toilet facilities, and outdoor learning spaces will also be beneficial and support children’s and young people’s learning. Learners and staff highlighted the need for outdoor shelters, so that everyone can have a full experience of outdoor learning.
“There is potential to enhance the curriculum and enrich children’s and young people’s learning experiences in a new school building. All learners, staff and parents who met with HM Inspectors welcome the improved facilities that the proposed new school might offer.
“Children and young people look forward to opportunities to access better sports facilities and specialist areas for art and music. HM Inspectors agree with stakeholders who feel strongly that the inclusion of areas to support the development of lifeskills should be considered in the design of the new building.”
