A SCHOOL in Winchester has been awarded £1.4million investment which will see it offer more facilities for its pupils.

Work to improve Shepherds Down School, in Compton, will see the school provide two new classrooms and extend the dining room.

The build will create an occupational therapy room and a space for one to one supported learning, along with storage and new toilet facilities.

The project will involve the removal of two modular classrooms, which have been used following its recent expansion of 20 pupils, and will be replaced by the new space, as well outdoor learning spaces and additional parking spaces will be provided for staff and visitors.

Cllr Roz Chadd, the Hampshire County Council’s executive member for education and skills, awarded the funding during a decision day.

Cllr Chadd said: “Demand for places for children with special educational needs and disabilities is rising and, as this is set to increase still further, I can see there is strong justification for replacing the current two temporary classrooms with more permanent accommodation. Therefore, I have no hesitation in agreeing this investment.”

Work is expected to start during summer 2020, with the extended accommodation and facilities completed in the spring term 2021. During construction, school will operate as usual, with steps in place to minimise, as far as possible, disruption to teaching and learning.

Shepherds Down School provides education for up to 158 children aged between 4 and 11 years old with a range of speech, language and communication needs, moderate learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders.