Private education company withdraws plans to convert former offices to special school

                                                  

                                                      

One of Orchard's existing sites in Grimsby

PLANS to convert offices in Grimsby to a special 'school' have been withdrawn.

With 95 pupils, aged 11 to 16, at three separate sites (including a former police station), Orchard Education Ltd is near its capacity.

For this reason, it had earmarked premises at  Olympia House Saxon Court, 1 - 4 Appian Way, for its further development.

In a statement, it said: "Archetypical school-type buildings can often be associated with trauma by our students due to previous experience in mainstream settings. 

"We believe this building offers a unique setting whilst not compromising on learner safeguarding, welfare and education. 

"Our past experience has shown that the location of sites outside the main urban areas are beneficial for student wellbeing and attitudes to learning." 

OEL employs approximately 55 local people whose skills range from teaching, to emotional development and administration. 

It is not known why the application was withdrawn nor whether it might be submitted in a diffent form at a later date.