Commissioner to open six new schools

The Children's Commissioner for England, Sir Al Aynsley-Green is coming to the borough on 30 November to officially open six new schools.

The new schools are intended to transform provision for children in the borough with Special Educational Needs. Co-located with mainstream schools, these new schools give aim to give pupils lots of new opportunities for social contact and curriculum enrichment. Along with large, bright classrooms off wide corridors, the schools have excellent information and communication technology equipment and other audio visual aids to stimulate and enthral pupils as well as superb outdoor play facilities. Specialist rooms and facilities include hoists, hydrotherapy, and sensory rooms.

The new schools to be opened will be:

• Springside School, Rochdale 
• Hamer Community Primary School, Rochdale
• Newlands School, Middleton
• Hollin Community Primary School, Middleton
• Redwood Secondary School, Rochdale
• Oulder Hill Community School amp; Language College, Rochdale

Rochdale Borough Council Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, Councillor Irene Davidson said:  "This is the start of a new era for schools in the borough. These new schools offer a wide range of extra facilities for pupils, teachers and parents giving pupils excellent learning opportunities throughout their school life.

"We listened carefully to and worked closely with pupils, teachers and parents to make sure that the new schools will give pupils the best possible chance to achieve and, at the same time, be a great asset to their communities.

"But this is just the start. Our Building Schools for the Future programme will bring £152 million new investment to schools throughout the borough ensuring all children and young people get the best possible future."

Usman Nawaz, the borough's Youth Council Member of Parliament will be Sir Al Aynsley-Green's guide for the opening event which will start at Redwood Secondary School. He will also meet pupils from the new schools before he officially cuts the ribbon to open the schools.