The David Ross Education Trust (DRET) site at Fairfield Academy in Grimsby has unveiled a newly refurbished specialist provision designed to support children with additional needs. The area, now called the Emerald Hub, is intended for up to 18 pupils who have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) with a primary need relating to communication and interaction.
What the hub offers and why it matters
The facility is part of a wider programme to develop Resource Specialist Provisions (RSP) across local schools. These RSPs aim to allow pupils with additional needs to remain in, or close to, mainstream education while receiving extra, tailored support. The Emerald Hub occupies a space that had been unused and has been brought back into service through partnership working.
- Capacity: 18 students with EHCPs focused on communication and interaction.
- Partners: North East Lincolnshire Council, Fairfield Academy, David Ross Education Trust, Topcon Building Limited.
- Purpose: Enable local specialist provision so children can learn in a setting close to home.
Voices from the opening
“It’s fantastic to see these new facilities firsthand. I’m really impressed with the work that has been done to bring what was a redundant part of the school back into use, for the benefit of more students,”
The remark was made by Councillor Samuel Grice, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Children and Education at North East Lincolnshire Council, who attended the official opening along with school staff, DRET representatives, councillors and council officers.
Partnership and practical impact
Simon Rose, CEO at the David Ross Education Trust, described the project as a successful joint venture with the council that enables bespoke provision for children who require additional help. The council highlighted that the conversion of existing space avoids lengthy new-build timelines and places specialist support within the heart of a mainstream school.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Emerald Hub |
| Location | Fairfield Academy, Grimsby |
| Places | 18 students (with EHCPs) |
For families and schools in North East Lincolnshire, the Emerald Hub represents increased local capacity for specialist education and an example of how existing school estate can be repurposed to meet demand. The development aligns with ongoing efforts to expand RSPs across the borough so pupils with additional needs can access tailored support without travelling far from their communities.
Further details about admissions to the Emerald Hub and how it will operate within Fairfield Academy’s wider provision were outlined at the opening event by the trust and council, with the facility now ready to welcome its first cohort of students.
