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New special school going green

Wednesday, 31 July 2024 13:50

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

Vale of Glamorgan Council

A new primary school for over 200 special needs pupils will be known as Ysgol Llyn Derw.

Construction work is already underway on land near Cosmeston Lakes Country Park to help what meet what Vale Council calls ''exceptional demand'' for special education provision.

The £20 million facility, which will be a secondary site for Ysgol Y Deri in Penarth, was named by pupils.

It will also boast a number of environmental features with the surrounding landscape being used as outdoor teaching and study spaces, as well as areas for sport, play, socialising, relaxation and reflection.

Cllr Rhiannon Birch, cabinet member for education, said: "Ysgol y Deri 2 will provide a much-needed bespoke environment for pupils that need specialist attention and build on the fantastic work carried out at the school’s main site."

"Examples of just what a difference this can make to the lives of children was there for all to see in the recent BBC cocumentary: A Special School."

"But as well as helping pupils, we also want our schools to benefit the environment. That is in line with the climate emergency declared by the council and our Project Zero commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030."

“Ysgol Y Deri 2 has a host of impressive features that make it clean and green alongside extensive provision for animal and plant life.”

Solar panels and a hybrid generator made out of energy efficient materials will be used to power Ysgol Llyn Derw, while the design will make use of natural light and ventilation where possible.

Green roofs will be built to increase biodiversity in the area, along with other features such as bird and bat boxes, spaces for insects to boost local wildlife, and a range of trees and wildflowers to enhance the school's green spaces.

Developers ISG are also using hydrotreated vegetable oil and electricity to power machinery on site, resulting in a 90 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.

When complete, the school will provide capacity for around 205 pupils with additional learning needs.

 

Kevin McElroy, ISG operations director, said: "The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s dedication to crafting a bespoke learning environment for pupils not only enhances educational outcomes but also leaves a lasting impact on the community and local environment."

"Ysgol Llyn Derw stands as a model for carbon-neutral educational facilities, demonstrating our commitment to building spaces that are both innovative and environmentally responsible."

"This project aligns seamlessly with the council’s Project Zero goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, setting a new standard for sustainable development in education."

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