Work started this week on a brand new £13m Isobel Mair School in Newton Mearns.

Building contractor CBC and representatives from East Renfrewshire Council met to break ground on the project that will provide for the education of pupils aged 5 -18 years who have a very wide range of difficulties.

The new home for the widely respected school is expected to open in Summer 2011.

Education convener at the council, Councillor Alan Lafferty, said: “Isobel Mair School is very well-known for the quality if its education and for the dedication and commitment of our staff. That’s because they share with parents the ambition to get the very best possible for our children. With a new purpose-built school, we can provide a building that’s worthy of the learning and teaching that goes on inside.

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“The new Isobel Mair School will be an excellent school and something for all of us to be proud of. Having a purpose-built school means that we can be at the cutting edge of design while making sure that the school is built around the people who matter most, our pupils.”

CBC managing director James McAlpine said: “Isobel Mair School marks our third project with East Renfrewshire Council in the education sector, having previously undertaken work on both Giffnock Primary School and St Ninians High School. We are delighted to be starting work on site, and to be involved in the creation of a fantastic facility which will become a real asset to the community.”

The new Isobel Mair School will be built in Greenlaw, just off Stewarton Road, Newton Mearns and will accommodate 132 pupils.

All spaces used by pupils will be on the ground floor and accessed from dedicated bus and taxi drop-off zones.

There will be three teaching areas, a life skills centre, a nursery wing with an independent entrance, and sensory and soft play areas.

The school also features a hydroptherapy pool, a medical and therapy suite, parent’s room and security will be built in to the design.

(GK)