New purpose-built school opens in Sheffield

The primary special school for children with profound or severe learning difficulties, complex medical needs and autism, now boasts new therapy spaces for its 83 pupils at Archdale Road.

These include a hydrotherapy pool, a rebound therapy room, a sensory room and soft play areas.

And there is still more to come with an additional classroom to open in September. Most classrooms have ceiling mounted hoist systems and all have integral bathroom areas.

Sheffield’s Deputy Lord Mayor Coun Anne Murphy performed the grand opening honours last week, with staff, children and visitors invited to watch.

The Archdale Road premises have been totally restructured and refurbished with the ‘learning’ needs of pupils in mind. Additional teaching areas such as the food technology room, library and dedicated quiet group rooms, enable children to practice the skills they learn in the classroom.

Headteacher Jan Kartawick said: ‘We had a great day on our ‘official opening’ of Norfolk Park school, which we combined with the start of our Olympic week.

“Each class represented a different country and in the morning the children had fun making food and decorating flags from their country.

“In the afternoon we had our grand opening which was well attended by many visitors, colleagues from across the city, parents and carers and the Deputy Lord Mayor.

“Our visitors were treated to an opening parade by all the children, followed by our very own fantastic Rio dance team. To finish the day the Deputy Lord Mayor paid tribute to the children and staff.

“As the ribbon was cut, all the children let off balloons to sail across the city, letting everyone know that Norfolk Park Primary School is here, and our aspirations know no bounds.”