Mansfield school for children put in special measures could get extension for post-16 pupils

Fountaindale School provides education to pupils aged three to 18 years old

A Mansfield school that has previously been put in special measures following a damning Ofsted report could now get an extension, as planning documents have been put forward. Fountaindale School, on Nottingham Road, near Mansfield, provides education for children aged three to 18 who have profound and multiple learning needs, complex physical and medical needs and sensory needs.

The school could now get a single-storey classroom extension that would cater to post-16 pupils, as the existing building does not provide teaching space for the age group. The extension would include two classrooms and a life skills space, totalling 117square metres.

The planning application, which was submitted to Ashfield District Council, reads: "The proposed extension to Fountaindale School is a carefully considered development aimed at enhancing the school's teaching spaces. The extension will provide additional teaching spaces, specifically designed to accommodate the needs of pupils with SEND.

"By obtaining planning permission, we aim to enhance the teaching spaces by creating new classrooms for Post-16 SEND pupils. This project is designed to minimise construction disruptions whilst furthering the school's commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students."

The school was previously placed in special measures after being rated inadequate by Ofsted in January 2022. The educational establishment was then called the Harlow Academy and was run by the Evolve Trust.

The damning rating came after the education watchdog found the basic care of children's needs were not being met. The school was placed in the joint care of Nexus Multi Academy Trust, who now runs Fountaindale School, and Greenwood Academy Trust.

The school doesn't currently have an Ofsted rating and has a capacity of 81 pupils, with 84 currently on roll.