Planning permission has been granted to Castletown Primary School for a new extension for two classrooms for children with autism.
These new Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) classrooms enable students to integrate into a mainstream school community, participate as far as possible in the curriculum, along with additional supports in the areas they might struggle with.
The safety of the students was also a priority for the school so work approved will also include new road safety measures.
Planning permission includes a new vehicle set down area, separate pedestrian entrances and a new one way system.
It also includes a set down area and 19 car parking spaces so cars will no longer be parked in front of the school.
Minister for State Sean Fleming, a native of Castletown, welcomed the news.
He said: “This is all great news for the Castletown Primary School Principal, teachers, Board of management, students and school community.
“The additional rooms and new safety measures planned for the school are a welcome addition.
“I now look forward to this project going to tender to enable construction work commence as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Fleming also confirmed that initial approval has been granted to Ballyadams National School for refurbishment of their building.
The purpose of this refurbishment works is for a Special Educational Needs base classroom.
Provision of SEN (Special Educational Needs) Classrooms in our schools is to support every child to have access to an educational experience that supports both their academic and personal development.
Deputy Fleming said: “I would like to acknowledge the great work by the Board of Management, teachers, SNA’s and support staff in Ballyadams National School for all their great work and support to ensure that every student has access to a school place which meets their needs.
“As this in an initial project approval for Ballyadams School no further details about funding/construction is yet available.”
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