A tender package for the construction of a replacement special school in north Powys has been published.

Powys Council is looking for contractors to build a new school for Ysgol Cedewain in Newtown.

The project will help the council deliver its Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys, a 10-year strategy that was approved earlier this year and which is now seeing a succession of major announcements around plans for the county's schools.

In August, the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Capital Programme Panel, which will fund 75 per cent of the project, approved the council’s Outline Business Case for the new £22m special school. The remaining 25 per cent would be funded by the council.

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

Cllr Phyl Davies, the council's cabinet member for education and property, said: “The publication of the tender package is a major step forward for this school building project.

“We are committed to transforming education in Powys for all our learners. Not only will these plans help us deliver our ambitious strategy but they are also key elements in transforming and improving additional learning needs provision for our vulnerable learners.

“As part of our Vision 2025, we are committed to providing world-class facilities, especially for our most vulnerable learners. When complete, it will provide an environment where teaching staff can thrive and give vulnerable learners facilities that meets their needs, they benefit from and enables them to enjoy learning.”