A school’s special needs provision will be expanded as part of a major refurbishment project, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
The redevelopment of Horndale Infant School, in Newton Aycliffe, to create 60 new SEN places has been approved by Durham County Council.
The redevelopment will deliver “inclusive, safe, and high-quality learning environments aligned with SEND standards”, the applicant said.
It is hoped the new facility will be completed by the end of August, ready for the start of the new school year.
A new pedestrian entrance and parking spaces will also be created.
Plans for the school site were set in stone last year when Horndale was combined with the nearby St Francis Church of England school to help sustain their futures.
The move was made after pupil numbers at Horndale had declined in recent years, resulting in funding challenges.
Both schools were located less than 20 metres apart from each other, with a shared access road and car park. The newly-named St Francis Horndale C of E Primary School for children aged three to 11 opened in September 2025.
The school now accommodates 210 primary pupils and offers a 26-place nursery for three-year-olds.
Speaking after the merger, headteacher Lisa Lakey said: “The upgraded facilities are fantastic and will help us to enhance our current provision whilst also offering extra capacity for the community as it continues to grow.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
