Special schools get ready for merger

Ahead of their proposed 2022 merger, two Spalding Special Schools have announced interim heads who will oversee the process.

The Garth and The Priory schools are set to become one school for all ages and all needs from January of that year.

The previous Executive Headteacher for both, Daran Bland, is now on a two-year secondment with the Spalding Specials Schools group that oversees their running.

In his place Claire Moore will take over the running of The Garth while Matthew Bloodworth-Flatt will oversee The Priory.

The Garth is currently for those aged 2-19 years of age and aimed at those with severe learning difficulties.

Mrs Moore has spent 13 years working in the school, the last two as the acting head of school.

“I’m really excited about it and we feel it’s going to be a good thing for Spalding and the community as a whole.

“The staff across both schools have always worked closely together and this provides the opportunity to do that even further.

“The merger is something we’ve still got to work out and there’s lots of discussions ongoing.

“The aim is we’ll become one school over two sites that’s open for all ages and all needs.

“Both of our schools are undergoing extensive building work to achieve that as part of the funding from SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability).

Mr Bloodworth-Flatt will be overseeing The Priory School which specialises in pupils aged 11 to 16 with a variety of complex needs.

Matt said of the merger: “This is about meeting people’s needs in the local area.

“It’s really exciting.

“I’m really looking forward to the role.”

In a statement to pupils, the previous Executive Head of both schools, Mr Bland, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to have led both schools over the course of the last 13 years. I am confident that the schools are being left in very good hands for the next two years.

“My seconded role will still see me in and around the schools co-ordinating the extensive planning and building works that are scheduled across the two sites.

“I look forward to supporting the development of both schools, albeit in a different role, and I wish both Claire and Matthew the very best in their new headteacher positions.”