Sunderland Labour Group is investing in the future of the city’s young people, with the approval of two initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable children and improving educational facilities across the city.
The city’s Cabinet members have signed off on plans to buy a property in West Boldon that will be transformed with £1.756m investment into a Complex Needs Hub that will support young people with high levels of mental health and behavioural needs.
The new facility, delivered in partnership with Together for Children (TfC), will provide accommodation for four children and reduce the city’s reliance on costly private sector placements, delivering better value for the public pound.
The project is contingent on planning approval and a successful funding bid to the Department for Education to cover 50% of eligible capital costs. The Council will fund the remainder through its capital programme.
In addition to the new hub, Sunderland Labour Group’s ruling cabinet members have also approved a wide-ranging education capital programme that will see substantial improvements made to schools across the city. This will include:
- A brand-new Thorney Close Primary School, with a £11.8 million construction contract awarded to Sunderland-based Brims Construction.
- A two-year refurbishment programme at Grange Park Primary School, with £850,000 of work starting this summer and a further £590,000 next year.
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) provision at Gillas Lane Primary Academy, a £900,000 investment to build a new dedicated space where children with additional needs in the Coalfields area will be supported, complementing autism provision in Hetton. This is subject to Department for Education approval.
- £850,000 in essential works across Sunderland’s school estate including boiler replacements and structural repairs to ensure safe, healthy learning environments, that will be rolled out over the summer.
Councillor Michael Butler, cabinet member for children’s services, child poverty and skills and Sunderland Labour Group councillor for Southwick ward, said: “This is a vital investment that will give some of our most vulnerable children the support and stability they deserve, in a high-quality setting close to home.
“By creating this hub and delivering a huge investment programme that will support schools across the city, we’re not only delivering better outcomes for young people but also using public money more effectively, and ensuring we invest in the future, literally and figuratively.
“These investments reflect Sunderland Labour Group’s ongoing commitment to ensuring every child and young person has the best possible start in life – whether through specialist support services or high-quality education.”