The £7.8m project saw the creation of a new teaching block as well as some refurbishment of the existing building, enabling the school to meet all special educational needs.
The work included the creation of improved teaching facilities, a dedicated hygiene suite, and group and calm room spaces. Along with a renovated medical space and an improved staffroom, new IT, life skills and social recreation spaces were created and enhanced parking was added.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said:
“The council wants to ensure that all children can access high-quality education, as near to their family and local community as possible. To help achieve that, we’re investing £100m in improving our special schools.
“Our ambitious programme will mean more pupils with SEND can attend a local school rather than having to travel large distances for their education, which will be of great benefit to both the children and their families.
“I’m confident that these fantastic new facilities at Tulip Academy will make a real difference to the pupils there, both now and in the future.”
Matthew Bloodworth-Flatt, Headteacher at Tulip Academy Spalding – Waterside Campus:
“We’ve had a wonderful time today celebrating the official opening of the new teaching block here at our Waterside Campus. The provision within this new building includes spacious classroom environments, additional learning spaces, life skills provision as well as sensory spaces. This new facility supports us to deliver the best possible education to young people in and around Spalding. Our gratitude goes to everyone involved in the project.
“And a big thank you to the Worcester Ghostbusters for giving up their time today to spend it with our pupils.”
Peter Bell, CEO of the Community Inclusive Trust said:
“I would like to thank the County Council for funding this project and committing a huge amount of time and resource into the delivery of such an amazing building. This new facility will have a significant and extremely positive impact on our pupils here!”
The building work was carried out by Willmott Dixon, with the funding provided by the county council.
