Noelle Buick, Chief Inspector, visited Castle Tower School, Ballymena on 2 October 2019. The school caters for over 300 pupils aged three to 19 with severe, moderate and complex learning difficulties. In addition, many of the pupils have physical and sensory difficulties.
The school principal, Raymond McFeeters, welcomed Noelle Buick to the school where she met pupils and staff, and was able to see how the specialist facilities meet the educational, physical and social needs of the pupils. The school, opened in 2017, is on a 13 acre site and includes a hydrotherapy pool, sensory courtyards and rooms, and extensive play and leisure facilities. Specialist home economics kitchen, science labs and art room sit alongside a college style lecture theatre, social areas and a music room.
Noelle Buick said “It has been a great pleasure to visit Castle Tower School. I was able to see at first-hand how the new school supports the complex needs of the pupils and their progression in learning. The school’s learning environment for the pupils makes a positive difference to the daily lives of the pupils, teachers and the wider school community.”
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