SOME of the most vulnerable children in the borough are celebrating the news a Kingsbury special needs school is to be redeveloped.

The Village School, formed in September from the merger of Hay Lane and Grove Park schools, will be part demolished, with the new buildings due to open in 2013.

Headteacher Kay Johnson said the existing buildings were falling apart, and she was “delighted” the new school will be purpose-built for children with very complex educational needs.

She said: “Our current provision is no longer fit for purpose. The school buildings have heating and electrical problems.

“Our new school's vision is to maintain and improve our links with the local community and establish a centre of excellence which is embraced and valued.

The school caters for children aged two to 19 with a wide range of learning difficulties. The planned work also includes a respite centre for children with profound difficulties.

As part of a drive to involve the community in school life, there will also be a café and a shop which will be staffed by pupils.

Ms Johnson added: “Our children don't have it easy in life but they are very inspirational. I think these new facilities will give them the capability to get involved in the local community – I can't wait for them to see it.”

“We are so excited and we can't wait for the children to benefit.”

During the building process, around 150 pupils will be taught in temporary classrooms on the site of Kingsbury High School. The recently completed sixth form block at The Village School will remain open.

The redevelopment is being paid for by Brent Council which has invested £21 million in the project, together with £8 million of government funding which was awarded to the authority to help improve special educational needs in the borough.