Ceremony marks start of new SEND resource provision at Deeplish Primary Academy

Deeplish Primary Academy in Rochdale celebrated the start of construction on its highly anticipated SEND (special educational needs and disability) resource provision with a ceremony attended by key partners, leaders, and community representatives.

The new facility, designed to support children with speech and language needs, is a collaborative effort between Focus-Trust and Rochdale Borough Council.

Once complete, the resource provision will cater to 24 pupils; 12 from Early Years and Key Stage 1, and 12 from Key Stage 2, offering tailored support in a state-of-the-art environment.

The ceremony was attended by Helen Rowland, CEO of Focus-Trust; Dr. Fay Davis, transformation lead at Rochdale Council; Councillor Rachel Massey; head of SEND Lesley Rudge; representatives from Bradbury’s Consulting and Chapelgreen Contractors; David Roberts, chair of governors at Deeplish Primary Academy; and Ewan McPherson, interim executive principal of Deeplish Primary Academy.

The project involves the complete refurbishment and extension of a current building that also houses the Deeplish Locality Family Hub.

The new facility will feature two cutting-edge classrooms and additional spaces designed to teach preparation-for-adulthood skills, enabling children to thrive both academically and socially.

Improvements to the family hub will include the installation of new shutters, windows, and canopies, ensuring the building remains a vital community resource.

Councillor Rachel Massey, portfolio holder for children’s services and education, said: “I was delighted to join Deeplish Primary Academy for the groundbreaking ceremony of their new Resource Provision, a vital project supporting 24 children in our borough with speech, language, and communication needs.

“This joint initiative between Rochdale Borough Council and Focus-Trust demonstrates our commitment to providing every child with the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed within their own community.

“Deeplish is an inspiring school dedicated to ensuring all children can thrive, and I’m proud to support their vision.

“We look forward to working with more schools to invest in Rochdale’s future.” 

Helen Rowland, CEO of Focus-Trust, said: “This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when partnerships between schools and local authorities focus on creating opportunities for all children.

“Deeplish has been part of Focus-Trust since December 2014 and we are proud to take this important step toward providing specialist support for pupils with speech and language needs.

"We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our children and the wider community.”

Deeplish Primary Academy is part of Focus-Trust, a charitable primary school trust based in the North-West of England and West Yorkshire.