North Ayrshire's brand new additional support needs (ASN) school is now open to pupils.
Lockhart campus has welcomed pupils through the gates gradually over several days to help the young people to acclimatise to their new environment.
And now all the children and young people are enjoying life together in their state-of-the-art school.
The £20 million facility – situated in Stevenston next to Auchenharvie Academy – has replaced James McFarlane, Haysholm, Stanecastle and James Reid schools.
The architecturally-striking campus – which features a ribbon effect roof, offers a range of classroom settings as well as a swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms and a soft-play area – all provide an educational experience to children with a diverse range of additional support needs.
The school also incorporates enhanced outdoor learning spaces including an outdoor rebound area and external classrooms.
Health and social care colleagues will also have access to the facilities to enable them to deliver first aid, therapy and other treatments.
Contractors Morrison Construction first started work on the project in late 2019 and have overcome the difficulties posed by the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the facility was ready for the new term.
Councillor John Bell, cabinet member for education, said: “We are absolutely delighted with how this facility has turned out. We couldn’t be prouder and hope the young people and their families/carers are as happy as we are.
“We always had a vision for the school to be warm, inviting and somewhere the young people would feel safe, secure and nurtured. We wanted it to be an environment which would help them get the very best out of themselves.
“Now that it is complete, it’s pretty clear that this is what we have achieved, and we think the young people and our staff will reap the benefits for years to come.
“A huge thanks to everyone involved. It has been a massive effort but I’m sure everyone will agree it has been worth it.”
Michael McBrearty, chief executive of development partner hub South West, added: “It’s a real privilege to be a part of this incredible new development for North Ayrshire Council and to see young people and their families now being welcomed into this modern, safe, fun and state-of-the-art learning environment is just wonderful.
“Lockhart Campus is the only facility in Scotland with these kind of resources amalgamated on one site and is not only a real asset to the local communities but will also make a huge difference to many families from across the region.”
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