Parents have spoken of how much their children are benefitting from the state-of-the-art facilities at the new Hawthorns Primary School in Mottram.

The new building is a shining example of co-production with the community coming together to ensure its creation – and everyone involved gathered to celebrate at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday 6 December.

School staff, parents and carers, pupils, Tameside Council leaders, Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds, High Peak MP Jon Pearce, construction staff and education officials all attended the event, which was held once pupils had settled into the school following its opening on 11 September.

Parents and carers shared how their children are enjoying the new school and the difference that it’s making to them. Managed by New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), it provides 246 places for children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

The £23million development was commissioned by Tameside Council and built by Robertson Construction North West. Hawthorns School was originally designed to accommodate 60 pupils at its previous site, co- located with Aldwyn Primary School, Audenshaw, and the outstanding and popular school has outgrown its capacity.

The standalone bespoke single-storey building, with an internal floor space of 4,038m2, has been planned to accommodate children with a range of complex needs with classrooms spread along two main wings.

Each classroom benefits from large outdoor spaces and playground provisions. The school has specialised teaching areas for art and D&T, ICT and life skills, as well as a library, sensory areas and a sports hall. The school is also equipped with a training and family room.

Tameside Council Leader Councillor Eleanor Wills said: “This state-of-the-art school is a shining example of co-production where the community pulled together to make their shared ambition a reality. It’s a testament to the hard work and determination of everyone involved to create the very best and I’m thrilled that the pupils are already benefitting from the superb facilities. We are committed to investing in our children’s education and welfare and will do all we can to give them the best start in life.”