By KLTV Newsdesk –

Kirklees Council provides construction update on purpose-built SEMH school in Huddersfield

Kirklees Council has issued a new progress update on the construction of a major new special school on Deighton Road in Huddersfield, marking another milestone in the delivery of improved facilities for children and young people with additional needs.

When complete, the state-of-the-art building will become the new home of Joseph Norton Academy, which will relocate from its current site in Scissett and reopen as Josie Thirkell Academy.

The new school is being designed to support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties.

Building work gathers pace

Construction work on site is now visibly progressing, with the main steel structure of the building being erected.

Contractors have begun craning pre-cast concrete planks into place, installing them onto the steel framework.

These planks will form the building’s floors and provide key structural support, giving a clear sense of the school taking shape.

Work is also advancing below ground. Both foul and surface water drainage systems are being installed, including soakaway tanks, with backfilling works now underway.

New access road completed

Groundworks around the site have also moved forward with the construction of a new access road leading to the school building.

Concrete kerbs have been installed along the road edges, and asphalt has been laid and compacted to complete the surface.

What happens next

Over the coming weeks, contractors are expected to begin the next phase of construction, which includes:

• Roofing works
• Preparation for external masonry
• Installation of ground-floor reinforced concrete slabs
• Installation of perimeter pre-cast concrete ground beams

Supporting SEND across Kirklees

Alongside this project, work is underway to rebuild and relocate Woodley School & College, which supports autistic pupils aged 5 to 19.

Additional SEND places are also being created at other schools across the district.

Further updates on the development can be found through previous project announcements online, and more information about SEND services is available via the Kirklees Local Offer website.