Following a comprehensive consultation programme, the Department agreed the most appropriate way to deliver education within its special schools was in an age appropriate environment to mirror the organisation of mainstream schools. The first stage of this reorganisation involved the construction of the new Le Rondin School & Centre, a special needs primary school and assessment centre, which opened in September, 2005. Le Rondin has been built opposite the Forest Primary School with both schools benefiting from this collocation. The second stage was the completion of Le Murier School, a new special needs school for secondary age pupils collocated with the new St Sampson's High School. The two schools, know jointly as Baubigny Schools, were opened in September 2008, and share a central block of facilities including a 6 lane swimming pool, sports hall, specialist climbing wall and gym/dance studio. The final stage was the completion of the new Link Centre, a Centre for pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, in October 2009. The new Centre is based at the former Oakvale School site and replaces the previous provision at Granville House in Mount Durand. The reorganisation of special needs education had allowed the Department to hand back redundant buildings to the States, including Mont Varouf, the Longfield Centre and Granville House. The redevelopment of the College of Further Education will continue to provide Post-16 opportunities for pupils with special needs. |