Decision due on funding for new Woodlands Meed college

Parents and campaigners have spent the best part of a decade lobbying West Sussex County Council to complete Woodlands Meed.

The college buildings are not fit for purpose and after a number of false starts for the project the finishing line could be in sight at last.

The county council’s cabinet is expected to be asked to agree to release around £20million so the school can finally be completed when it meets on Tuesday May 26.

According to an update from governors on the school’s website, a further project board meeting was held last Wednesday (May 6).

They describe how discussions are ongoing to ensure the accommodation is adequate and provides a building which works for the needs of the profile of Woodlands Meed students.

A target development programme indicates the design of the building will be finalised between August and October, with a planning application submitted in mid-November.

Work would start on site next July, with handover in May 2023 and external works completed by October 2023.

In advance of the meeting later this month, campaigners from the Complete Woodlands Meed group have urged cabinet members to finally approve the funds so work on the new college build can start. They described how the children ‘need and deserve this new college’.

In a statement the group added: “WSCC have admitted the temporary Woodlands Meed College buildings have significant suitability issues and are inadequate meaning the College is unable to offer the full curriculum and unable to accommodate the full range of SEND. They have also made so many promises that have not come to fruition, so we hope this time their promises finally turn in tangible actions.

“Parents, carers and families feel very let down, anxious and stressed. WSCC has failed them and their children since 2012 when they only half built their new school to replace to existing special needs schools which they closed. They do not know how to plan for their children’s futures.

“Our Campaign team and supporters have been dismayed how the Council have shown such a blatant disregard for these vulnerable children. It is disgraceful. “Every child has a right to an education and needs to have a place to learn that lets them reach their individual potential. WSCC are failing to support that.

“Complete Woodlands Meed Campaign team urge WSCC Cabinet, at their next meeting on 26th May, to finally approve the funds in order that the Woodlands Meed new college build can commence.”

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