'Inspirational' and 'exciting' plans to open a sixth form college for students with special educational needs in Cockermouth have been welcomed by town councillors.

Mayfield School, in Whitehaven, is hoping to open the site early next year - in what used to be St Joseph's Primary School.

 

Times and Star: Head teacher Sam Kidd said the community had been 'overwhelmingly supportive'Head teacher Sam Kidd said the community had been 'overwhelmingly supportive' (Image: Newsquest)

Head teacher Sam Kidd and assistant head Stephen Chambers shared their plans with Cockermouth Town Council at its latest meeting.

The concept for the sixth form college came about through a vision which Mr Chambers had but Mayfield School staff never expected to come to fruition so soon, the councillors heard.

"Thankfully all the stars have aligned - and we are delighted to be able to do this," said Mrs Kidd.

Mr Chambers explained: "My vision was to take our students to a place where they can be physically and emotionally a part of the community.

"Our aspirations for them is there is no glass ceiling, we want them to feel there's a future beyond 19.

"We have students that can do jobs. We want to prepare them for adulthood, be able to do things and look after themselves.

"We wanted to find somewhere that would fit that criteria."

Mayfield School is on top of a hill. There are no businesses there and it's not very accessible, said Mr Chambers.

"When St Joseph's came up we knew it could be an absolutely amazing place, brilliant location, close to businesses and the town centre.

"Young people can walk into town and - importantly, the community can come into our school.

"There are plans to get the students into businesses and have a cafe in the school, also a kitchen where we can train our students."

Students will come from all over West Cumbria "We have some amazing young people, with amazing skills. You will see them soon, in town. I know how proud I am of them and how much potential they have," said Mr Chambers.

"Some have passed their driving tests, others have got jobs, their aspirations are high.

"Our students have some difficulties but they are no different.

"Every day there's a golden moment in our school, you see something happening and go 'wow'.

"The wow factor will be multiplied by us coming into Cockermouth. They cannot wait to see you and be part of the town, which will enhance their potential."

The move will relieve pressure on Mayfield School, which has 220 pupils in a building completed three years ago for 160 pupils, said Mrs Kidd.

"They all have severe learning difficulties, 70 per cent have on top of that a diagnosis of autism."

Last year the Whitehaven building was increased to accommodate 190 pupils. Numbers are expected to increase to 360 in the next four years, town councillors were told.

The two members of staff still employed by the school will be taken on by Mayfield on their new site. One of them will work as a career adviser, helping make links with businesses in town.

The students will be aged 16 to 19, as they stay in sixth form for an extra year. The initial cohort will be 23, building to 60 to 70 over a few years.

"There's a cliff they can fall off at 19," said Mrs Kidd, when the choice of future provision is very limited. The hope is that this new venture will enhance their opportunities.

"I'm really delighted with the support we have had from the Cockermouth community, people have been overwhelmingly supportive," she said.

The school is still in the planning and tender stages but hopes to open "between February and Easter" said Mrs Kidd.

The councillors welcomed the news. Mayor Andrew Semple said: "It's inspirational to hear you speaking, these children are warmly welcomed. I look forward to visiting."

Cllr Grace Bennion said: "It's really exciting to know there is more care planned for post 16."

"Your enthusiasm is infectious," said Cllr Richard Watson. "These young people are lucky to have people like you rooting for them and helping them live independent lives. We are all looking forward to them coming."

Councillors said they were pleased to hear the building would still have an educational purpose.

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