Powys Council is to appeal to the Welsh Government in the hope of landing £17 million to go towards a new special school in Newtown.

The authority's cabinet has today agreed to submit a strategic outline case to bid for money from the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme.

It wants to build a 108-pupil school to replace the existing Ysgol Cedewain – a project that is estimated to cost £22.6 million.

It is hoped that the Welsh Government would pay 75 per cent of the cost – £17,008,650 – with Powys Council funding the remaining 25 per cent with an investment of £5.7 million.

Education portfolio holder Cllr Phyl Davies (Conservative – Blaen Hafren), said: “This is another school that’s been subject to much debate over the last few years.

“It’s a school in dire need of replacement.”

Adult social services portfolio holder, Cllr Myfanwy Alexander (Independent – Banwy), added: “Anyone who’s ever been to Cedewain knows the fantastic work the staff do in very difficult circumstances, supporting some of our most vulnerable youngsters.

“If ever a new school was needed it is at Cedewain, but the experiences the youngsters have even in difficult surroundings, have been great due to the dedication of the staff.”

Portfolio holder for Young People, Culture and  Cllr Rachel Powell (Independent – Beguildy) added that she was “really looking forward” to see the project progress.

As part of the plans, the new Ysgol Cedewain could have purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities including a hydrotherapy pool, sensory and physiotherapy rooms a garden as well as a community café.

If the SOC is approved, a new school could be built by early 2023.

In the SOC  Ysgol Cedewain is described as a special school for children with additional learning needs (ALN).

It provides education for pupils from two years of age to 19 years old, with wide range of complex educational, sensory and physical needs.

Most pupils have a statement of special educational needs.

The current building is described as being in “very poor condition”.

Most of the classrooms are ageing temporary cabins and in some cases are in need of urgent maintenance and repair, or are nearing the end of their useful life.

The distance and obstacles between classrooms mean that a lot of time and effort is spent escorting pupils with complex sensory and physical needs around the school site.

This can be particularly challenging during bad weather.

The buildings and layout also severely limit the provision of specialist equipment for pupils with significant additional needs.

Specialist equipment is not available in all areas of the school therefore limiting access and mobility for some pupils.