Moorfield House: New Leeds special needs school opens after refurbishment of historic Headingley building
A new special needs school has opened in a 19th century Grade II-listed building in Leeds.
The all new SEND school has opened its doors for the autumn term after the first round of refurbishments to Moorfield House in Headingley were completed.
The newly developed Ormston School, part of the Polaris Community, has welcomed local pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, including those with social, emotional and mental health challenges.
Ormston School, named after Headingley suffragist and writer Isabella Ormston Ford, will provide much-needed educational resources in Leeds for children with SEND.
James Brown, the new head teacher at Ormston School, said: “Receiving such lovely feedback from parents has been a great start to our journey here.
“We’re excited to start educating our first cohort, helping them to engage with learning, strengthen their skills, and build trusted relationships, which will help them throughout their education.”
The school held its first open day in June and received good feedback from attending parents, who commented on the positive environment and facilities the school has.
Initially, the school has opened at half capacity accommodating up to 40 students aged between five and 18. When developments are complete the school will accommodate up to 80 students. This phased approach will ensure that the school can effectively tailor its provision and meet the needs of the pupils.
Ormston School's external space has been developed with a grassed area, forest school area, and sensory garden.
Loren Cahill, project manager at Polaris who has overseen the work to date, said: “Ormston provides such a beautiful environment for a school and it’s been a great project breathing a new lease of life into the building over this first stage.
“Our vision is for schools to be a magical place for learning, and we know that Ormston’s architecture helps deliver just that.”Ormston School's external space has been developed with a grassed area, forest school area, and sensory garden.”
Phase two of the renovation will start imminently, focusing on the Grade II listed part of the school, which the Polaris team will sympathetically restore, providing more space for SEND children in the area.
Ormston School works in conjunction with the local authority to provide educational placements for children with special educational needs and disabilities, including ASD, ADHD, FASD, and/or communication and interaction, cognition, and learning needs.