OIC allocated Scottish Government funding for potential additional support learning centre.

Orkney Islands Council has today (Monday 30^th October) received notification that is has been successful in being allocated Scottish Government funding towards a potential new additional support for learning centre for children and young people in Orkney.

The final funding package – from the Government’s Learning Estates Improvement Programme - is subject to an updated business plan for the project being approved.

The project is one of just 10 across Scotland to successfully reach this stage.

The proposed Learning Centre would provide improved facilities for children and young people with additional needs from nursery through to the end of secondary, as well as spaces and facilities for partners to use, including Community Learning and Development, Skills Development Scotland, NHS Orkney, CAMHS, Family Support Workers and Social Work.

In October 2022, it was announced that the Council was to further explore investment in a new facility at an estimated cost of £40m - with up to £20m of that being sought from the Scottish Government.

The final business case will evaluate the costs a year on from the original submission and will also require a review of the current capacity in Orkney’s schools, as well as a review of existing provision, need, sites and finances - and consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Work on the business case will begin immediately.

Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of the Council's Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, said:: “We are delighted that our application has been successful so we can begin the crucial phase of evaluating the costs involved in this project to ensure its viability, a year on from submitting our initial proposal.

“Such a facility would be vital in delivering improved facilities for children and young people with additional learning needs in Orkney, from nursery right through to the end of secondary school.

“However, there is still a long way to go in creating a final business plan in the present financial climate and to have this properly scrutinised by Elected Members. This will be a clear priority for the Council and work on this business plan will begin immediately.

“This was the first time the Council had applied for funding through the Government’s Learning Estates Improvement Programme. It is testament to the hard work of all those involved for it to be one of only ten successful applications from across Scotland.”