A MULTI-MILLION-POUND package of investment is to allow a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school in Kendal to expand its satellite site.

The £5 million funding for Sandgate School was agreed by a meeting of the county council's cabinet this morning.

The money will allow the school, situated in Sandylands Road, to expand its satellite campus at The Queen Katherine secondary school (QKS) in Appleby Road. 

Cllr Sue Sanderson, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for schools and learning, said the money would make a 'huge difference' and that collaborations like that which existed between Sandgate and QKS helped in 'breaking down barriers and prejudices'.

She said the money would also ensure more SEND children could go to school closer to home.

READ MORE: 'Need to support local retailers' - Mayor's call to back plans for Beales store

Expansion of its QKS campus will enable all of Sandgate's secondary-age pupils to be educated on the same site and increase the overall capacity of the school to 120.

Jon Hayes, QKS headteacher, said the expansion would 'build upon the many years of successful collaboration' that both schools had enjoyed.

“This development is a really positive enhancement for the students at both Sandgate and QKS," he said.

"Our aim at QKS is to provide the best and broadest possible educational experience for all of our young people, and having Sandgate students as part of our community is a key part of that philosophy."

Cllr David Southward MBE, cabinet member for economic development and property, said: “This is a key strategic investment in education for children with SEND.

"It is one element of our 'Inclusive Cumbria' strategy, which is all about the delivery of services to meet changing needs and providing facilities closer to home for SEND children and young people who need them.

"I look forward to seeing work completed.”

The work is to be carried out by F Parkinson Ltd and it is anticipated it will be completed by early summer this year.