In September our Labour Cabinet approved proposals to relocate Penkford Special School in Wharf Road, Newton-le-Willows, to the former Red Bank education unit site.

Subject to planning approval and authorisation from the Charity Commission, a modern building would be constructed to improve the educational experience of some of the borough’s most vulnerable pupils that have a range of social, emotional or mental health issues.

Labour Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Business, Councillor Kate Groucutt: “As a council we are committed to ensuring that all children can have their educational needs met in a supportive environment with buildings and facilities that are fit for purpose.   
  
“Pupils at Penkford face considerable challenges in life and they need and deserve a better environment which will support them and help them to thrive as we look to achieve one of our key priorities of ensuring all children and young people in St Helens Borough have the best possible start in life.  
  
“The relocation of the school will also allow us to make further improvements to the area around Sankey Valley and the Nine Arches. Following significant investment in recent years, the area is now a popular walking and cycling destination for people from Newton-le-Willows and further afield.” 

If planning consent is given, work on the new school is expected to start in the summer of 2021.