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The school is set to cater to 65 pupils, creating an environment which enables the children and young people to develop the skills, resilience and self-awareness to be successful in later life.
The school site, which will be located in the village of Churchill, will offer opportunities for vocational studies and outdoor sports in a calm and sustainable environment. Each child at the school will have a different range of needs and access to facilities and therapies tailored to them.
Kenton Mee CEO, North Somerset Parent Carers Working Together (NSPCWT), said: “We are thrilled that planning has been approved for Lime Hills specialist school. This will provide families in North Somerset access to much needed specialist educational provision to support their children and young people when they have significant Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
“This clearly demonstrates local commitment to improve welfare and opportunities for our vulnerable children and young people, who deserve the opportunity of a good education to help them reach their full potential whilst also supporting their family and inclusion in the community.”
Councillor Catherine Gibbons, Executive Member for Children’s Services, Families and Lifelong Learning, said: “North Somerset has a growing need for school places to support children with social, emotional and mental health needs, so it’s fantastic news that the proposals for Lime Hills Academy have been approved.
“We are looking forward to the Department for Education (DfE) delivering these much-needed facilities, so that children with acute needs can continue their education within North Somerset. This is part of our strategy to ensure all children can attend a good school in their local area where they can learn, grow and develop.
“Through the planning process, the Lime Hills Academy proposals have undergone robust scrutiny and today’s approval demonstrates how the project architects have designed a place of sanctuary that effectively responds to comments made during consultation.”
Planning proposals for Lime Hills Academy were put forward by the DfE to meet rising demand for school places and the new building will replace a temporary site in Nailsea. North Somerset Council will support the school’s delivery by contributing financially to utilities and road works.