Island Learning Centre celebrates refurbishment with ribbon-cutting

A school in Newport is sporting a fresh new look following a £100,000 revamp.

The Island Learning Centre marked the completion of the three-month refurbishment with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by staff, local councillors and other invited guests.

The Isle of Wight Council project has seen classrooms receive the makeover treatment, with new fixtures and fittings, as well as modern décor and a fresh coat of paint.

Areas of the school have also been reconfigured and adapted to meet the evolving needs of the students.

There are now specialist areas for the pupils to learn new skills, including a general maintenance workshop, a dance studio, hair salon and a life skills area with a kitchen and dining space.

The work was undertaken by MCM Construction, a local company based in Newport.

The Island Learning Centre is a pupil referral unit providing specialised alternative provision for some of the most vulnerable students.

Ashley Whittaker, the council's director of children's services, said: "In modern societies, with all the challenges children and people have, we are seeing more diversity and an even greater need to think differently about how we support these children and their different needs.

"For me, it is about the importance of developing independence among children and young people. Education is most fundamentally about preparing children and young people to be adults and to go on into their communities and the world and make a positive contribution, and for their talents to be identified and nurtured so they can thrive as the individuals they are.

"Going round the school today and looking at the facilities that are being delivered here — like the music facilities, hair and beauty, or the computer programming and tools workshop — this is a real recognition that actually a lot of our young people need something different, this sort of provision. Not just on the Island but nationally."

The school works with students from 11 to 16 who require additional help with their social, emotional, or mental health needs.

The new areas will help support children reintegrate back into education, providing a more vocational curriculum and supported pathways into adulthood.

Headteacher, Chris Toner, said: "I want our children to feel welcomed, valued and get something meaningful from their education. We're incredibly lucky to have a fantastic building with wonderful spaces which the children absolutely love. It's been great to see them enjoying and using their brand new surroundings."

Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for children's services, added: "The refurbishment embodies our commitment to delivering high-quality education, fostering creativity and nurturing the holistic growth of our students. The improvements will allow the school to teach a forward-thinking curriculum in a purposeful bespoke environment."

Take a tour of the new facilities on the council's Facebook page.