As one school in Llandudno is slowly demolished, it’s time to look forward to the bright future of one set to be amongst the cream of the crop when it comes to special schools throughout Wales.
Ysgol Y Gogarth has been the site for many bulldozers over the past month as work continues to bring down the much loved but sadly redundant school. It represents a massive change for both staff and pupils who have already moved on to their new school which cost an estimated £18m to build.
Situated along Nat-Y-Gamar Road, the highly-advanced place of learning can now offer its students state of the art technologies that they require which will include sensory rooms, sports facilities and a hydrotherapy room. All 185 special needs students will benefit from these changes as their old school continues to be gradually demolished in time for this coming September.
Headteacher Matt Morgan on the move: “The buildings, provision and staff make this one of the best special needs schools in the UK.”
“It’s difficult to move from an old, familiar building for anyone but for children with learning difficulties you do worry.
“Teachers have been preparing pupils for months about the transfer and Willmott Dixon had also met the children. But everyone was very excited and there were huge smiles. We’ve had nothing but compliments and everyone has settled quickly.”
The build has also been a big boost for those in construction locally as a large proportion of the workforce was sourced from surrounding areas. As for the new Ysgol-Y-Gogarth itself, it has offered much in the way of improvement for social services who will also be based close by.
Children’s Commisioner for Wales, Keith Towler, said: I have visited Ysgol Y Gogarth on a number of occasions and the pupils and staff there never ceases to amaze me with their enthusiasm and teamwork.
“I congratulate all those involved in making this happen. But most of all, my very best wishes go to the teachers and pupils themselves, who have played an important part in the design and construction. Go Gogarth!”
