School is custom built for its pupils

Mar 10 2009 by Richard Wilkins, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

FAIRVIEW School for children with additional support needs (ASN) was officially opened by Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, yesterday.

The £6.5m school, located on the Perth Academy/Viewlands Primary campus in Perth, provides education for 65 pupils aged three to 18 with complex, multiple and enduring needs.

It replaces the council’s previous ASN provision at Glebe and Cherrybank Schools.

Designed by council architects, and built by Morrison Construction, Fairview’s modern, high-quality facilities comprise a nursery, four primary and seven secondary classrooms, as well as a dedicated music and art room, gym hall, warm water pool, life skills room, learning resource centre, quiet rooms and tutorial rooms.

Construction work began on site in December 2006 and took around 15 months.

The design of the school has made effective use of natural light and space to provide a place that is enjoyable both to learn and teach in. The building and grounds, as with all new schools, have level access throughout to help less physically-able pupils and visitors.

Opportunities for pupils to take part in outdoor learning activities have also been expanded through the increased open space available at Fairview.

Substantial consultation informed the development of the new school. A user group, bringing together council officers and community representatives, met regularly between 2004 and 2007 to discuss progress on the project.

Council Leader, Councillor Ian Miller said: “Fairview is an excellent example of what we can achieve, working together with staff, parents and the contractors.

“Being able to provide pupils with a modern learning environment is crucial to improving their attainment and achievement.

“The state of the art school at Fairview is testimony that our approach is delivering modern, practical and high quality facilities across Perth and Kinross.”

Headteacher at Fairview, Coral Bell added: “On behalf of the staff and pupils,I would like to thank everyone who helped create our wonderful school. We are able to give the pupils who come here great learning choices and experiences. The teamwork in the school is central to supporting the children and young people and that is evident in the ethos and culture we have.”