New special school nearing completion

As pupils return to school from their summer break, a state-of-the-art special school in Pensnett is preparing to welcome students this winter.

The new Pens Meadow School will cater for children with complex needs, providing education for up to 155 children and young people aged 3 to 19, together with a nursery assessment unit for the borough.

The purpose-built building, designed by Dudley Council's corporate landlord's design team, and built by Interclass, will deliver better facilities for pupils with complex needs and severe learning difficulties, including autism and those with profound and multiple learning difficulties.

It will boast a modern hydrotherapy pool, while a rebound pit, a large trampoline sunk into the floor, is already in place and will promote exercise and help pupils develop motor skills.

It will also have therapy rooms, outdoor teaching and play areas, a forest school area and 14 larger classrooms where the layouts can be adapted for children with additional needs.

There is a focus on sustainability within the design, with PV panels for electricity and air source heat pumps to help heat the school.

Councillor Steve Clark, cabinet member for resources, said: “It is incredible to see our plans turning into bricks and mortar and I’m so proud to be a part of this vital project that will play a huge part in the lives of families from across the borough.

“It was a pleasure to visit the site today and see the incredible progress that we are making and, as we get near to completion, it’s great to hear how the school is preparing the pupils for transition to their new purpose-built school.”

Councillor Wayne Little, cabinet member for children’s services, said: "I am thrilled to celebrate the opening of our new SEND school in Dudley, a landmark achievement for our community.

“This state-of-the-art facility ensures that our children with special educational needs and disabilities can thrive in a supportive environment right here at home, without the need to travel outside Dudley.

“It’s a proud step forward in providing inclusive, local education for all our children."

Marie Hunter, Headteacher of Pens Meadow School, said: “We are delighted to see our new school site nearing completion, it truly is a dream come true for the staff, pupils and parents.

“The facilities here will help us to meet the complex needs of our pupils and enhance provision for our incredible Pens Meadow Community.”

Construction is expected to be complete in the summer of 2025. The school is set to be fully operational in January 2026, with a phased transition for some of the pupils to the new site starting this winter.

For more information and to view a video of the site people can visit pens-meadow.dudley.sch.uk.