New spark for King Edwin School in Stockton (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

New spark for King Edwin School in Stockton

4:39pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

A SCHOOL for children with special needs is being brought back to life in a scheme designed to save a council £400,000 a year.

The former King Edwin School, in Norton, Stockton, will be redeveloped by Stockton Borough Council (SBC) and a national private sector partner, Spark of Genius.

The school, which closed in 2008 as part of a shake-up of special needs education in the town, specialised in helping children with emotional, behavioural and social difficulties.

A meeting of SBC’s cabinet last night (THURS) approved the joint venture partnership which will see the council own the school site and homes for children in care, while Spark of Genius will run the school.

The company provides education, residential care, autism services, community support and post-16 programmes for children and young people throughout the UK.

The council expects the partnership will generate a saving of £400,000 a year and create 100 jobs.

It is anticipated that the newly renovated school will be opening its doors to new pupils by January 2014.

Councillor Ann McCoy, SBC’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “One of our key priorities is ensuring all young people, regardless of their personal circumstances receive the best possible start in life.”