SCOTTISH Borders Council (SBC) is conducting a public consultation to discuss plans for the new specialist school in Earlston.

The meetings will also allow the public to give their views on the removal of autism classes at St Ronan’s Primary in Innerleithen and Wilton Primary in Hawick.

The school in Earlston is set to take on ‘spectrum’ classes from across the Borders and will provide specialist resources and equipment. 

The project dates back to March 2013, and the council says building work is “well under way” and it should be completed by the end of October or early November.

Cllr Sandy Aitchison, SBC’s executive member for education, said: “I would encourage anyone with an interest in the new additional needs provision in Earlston to take part in this consultation, which went live on August 26, giving us their views on the proposal paper and, of course, their suggestions for what they would like the new school to be called.

“This applies not only to parents who already have children at school, but also families with younger children who are likely to attend any of these schools in the future,” he added.

“The views of these parents are equally valid and we are keen to hear from them as well.”

The consultation period will run until Monday, October 10, and public meetings will be held to help people find out more.

These will be held at Wilton Primary School (September 13, 7-9pm), Earlston Primary School (September 14, 7-9pm) and St Ronan’s Primary School (September 15, 7-9pm).

During this period, paper copies of the documents will be available to read at St Ronan’s Primary School, Wilton Primary School, Earlston Primary School, Earlston High School, Innerleithen Library, Hawick Library and Earlston Library.

A questionnaire is available at http://scotborders.gov.uk/asnschool.
You can also contact the Children and Young People’s Services on 01835 825080, or by email at schoolestates@scotborders.gov.uk