Plans to convert a disused school block into a £2.5m facility for children with Special Educational Needs have been given the go-ahead.

Snowfields, part of the Leigh Academies Trust, will now be able to transform the two-storey building at its Minster site.

As a result, the secondary will be taking on 60 pupils in the 2025-2026 academic year who have an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP).

Cllr Mike Whiting (Ind), who represents Queenborough and Halfway, said: “This is great news and means that the new school should be ready to take its first pupils in September.

“It is something I have been working with the academy trust to achieve for some time.

“For years, Island children with special education needs or disability have had to go off the Island, often travelling hours at great cost to a mainland school.

“For many, this new school will mean a local education and an end to those long journeys.

“By the end of this year, Sheppey will have three new SEND schools, with others at Elmley Dray and the Nore Academy. At last, there is a local voice for parents.”

The building was previously used by the Oasis Academy as a workshop for construction courses.

Last summer, the school was taken over by the trust after a damning Ofsted report and staff walking out over fears for their safety.

However, it has since been turned around following a multi-million-pound investment from the Department for Education and new leadership.

Plans describe the existing block and service yard as a “modern construction” and in “good working condition”.

As reported by KentOnline in November, the trust says the new centre would provide a purpose-built facility adapted for pupils, offering a “comprehensive, SEND-focused curriculum” through the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.

It added that both Snowfields and academy pupils would benefit.

There will be five classrooms, four break-out rooms and a library, as well as staff spaces.

There will also be a few areas which can be used by teachers to separate students if they are distressed or being disruptive.

Outside, there will be a vegetable garden, outdoor gym and trampoline plus provisions for a sports field.

A new road system – including a speed ramp, parking and a turning point – will be added.

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

A design and access document submitted to the council said: “The preceding proposals for the new SEN block aim to promote a high-quality and well-designed scheme to help meet the needs of the school and its pupils and staff.

“This has been a process focused on sensitivity to the context and surroundings – subtly giving the proposals a strong sense of place, through careful understanding of their intended use – with the overall aim of enhancing the whole school environment.”

The application was approved on Wednesday, February 12 and will be paid for by Kent County Council.

The Leigh Academies Trust has been contacted for a comment.

It is not yet known when construction will start but the facility is expected to be open for the next academic year in September.