A NEW school, described as ‘state-of-the-art’ and ‘energy efficient’ by Tameside Council, is already making a difference.
Its 246 pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have been settling into Hawthorns Primary in Mottram, which opened at the start of the academic year in September.
To enable their transition onto the site on Manley Grove, the official ribbon-cutting ceremony didn’t take place until last Friday (December 6).
Everyone involved in ensuring the school’s creation gathered – including school staff, parents and carers, pupils, Tameside Council leaders, MPs, construction staff and education officials.
At the grand opening, parents and carers shared how their children are enjoying the new school in Longdendale – which is managed by New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust.
“The new school is amazing,” said one parent. “The layout is perfect to meet the children’s needs. The staff are amazing too. Classrooms are perfect and they have access to the sensory and soft play equipment. I just wish it could go up to 18 and I am sad how in four years I won’t be dropping him off here.”
Another added: “The new school building is perfect, and the layout is just fantastic and spot on to meet the children’s needs. My child especially. He has settled in so well and managed the transition to a new site and going on transport for the first time so well – it just shows how right the environment is for him.”
The school – cost of which rose from £13 million in 2022 to £23 million – had outgrown its capacity at its previous Aldwyn Primary School site in Audenshaw, which was originally designed to accommodate 60 pupils.
The development was commissioned by Tameside Council and built by Robertson Construction North West.
The standalone bespoke single-storey building was planned to accommodate children with a range of complex needs, with classrooms spread along two main wings.
Each classroom has large outdoor spaces and playground provisions. The school also has specialised teaching areas for art and Design & Technology, ICT and life skills, as well as a library, sensory areas, a sports hall, and a training and family room.
The site also has a modern grass pitch and a 3G pitch which is used by the school, as well as the local community and football clubs. Hollingworth Football Club is running and managing the artificial and grass pitches – which can be booked by the community outside school hours.
The council says the building was constructed to achieve the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent rating, which sets best practice standards for the environmental performance of buildings.
They add that the energy efficient and sustainable design is part of Tameside working towards being Net Zero by 2038.
“This state-of-the-art school is a shining example of co-production where the community pulled together to make their shared ambition a reality,” said Tameside Council leader, Councillor Eleanor Wills.
“It’s a testament to the hard work and determination of everyone involved to create the very best and I’m thrilled that the pupils are already benefiting from the superb facilities.
“We are committed to investing in our children’s education and welfare and will do all we can to give them the best start in life.”
Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds, who attended the opening, described the school as “vital” for meeting the local need for SEND provision.
He added: “It is a success story for Tameside Council that they have provided such a great building that brings all the previous Hawthorn locations onto one site.”