Pupils’ needs ‘absolutely paramount’ in new Woodlands Meed college build

The campaign road for the special needs college, in Burgess Hill, has been a long one, stretching back to 2012 when the lower school was built.

With the money for the college never materialising, older children were educated in prefabricated buildings which even the council said were not suitable.

All that will change after members of the cabinet voted unanimously today (May 26) to use £20m from the capital programme to build a new college by May 2023.

Nigel Jupp, cabinet member for education & skills, said: “I hope a new Woodlands Meed building in 2023 will be something we can all be proud of and our reputation enhanced.”

The council’s reputation took something of a battering over this project, with former MP Sir Nicholas Soames saying it had behaved ‘dishonourably’.

On top of that, it was revealed that children were being turned away when they reached the age of 14 because the college had neither the space nor the resources to care for them.

While a few concerns have still been raised – the additional three-year wait and the costs involved in the build – Mr Jupp was confident they could be ironed out.

He said: “I can assure everyone involved and those interested, that it will be the council’s ambition to complete this building as soon as it is physically possible.

“Bearing in mind that the needs of its pupils are absolutely paramount.

“We must be sure we have a building that is fit for purpose, not only for our children in 2023 but for many decades in the future.”

A planning application for the college is expected to be submitted in November – but before that can happen, approval from both Sport England and the Department for Education is needed.

Then the council has to put the project out to tender – with hopes being expressed that the job wouldn’t cost the full £20m.

Jeremy Hunt, cabinet member for finance, said: “I find the figures extremely challenging – but because of the needs of those children I am happy to support it.”

Labour leader Michael Jones praised the ‘dogged determination’ of the Complete Woodlands Meed campaign, saying there was ‘no doubt’ things would not have reached this stage without their action.

He added: “I don’t think we should be under any doubt of the terrible effect failing to act on this more quickly has had on the council’s reputation.”

A campaign spokesman said: “Complete Woodlands Meed are very pleased with the decision to proceed and would like to thank the councillors for the unanimous decision to approve the funds.

“We will await more information on the plans and look forward to seeing the project progress.”

Governors felt the decision was ‘bitter sweet’ – after all they have had their hopes raised before only to see the rug pulled.

Chairman Marion Wilcock said things were currently on track, making it ‘a good day in the office’ – but she warned her team would have no qualms about ‘raising the flag’ if they hit road blocks in the future.

Mrs Wilcock added: “On behalf of the governors, I would like to thank everyone who has supported the school to get us this far: the staff, parents, community, media and West Sussex county councillors and officers. 

“This support has made all the difference.”

There may be good news for the other special schools in West Sussex.

Mr Jupp said that, after visiting several such schools, he realised the council needed to spend money on them, with plans being drawn up ‘at this very moment’.

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