An Additional Support Needs (ASN) School proposal that will see the closure of all four special schools in North Ayrshire has now received the approval of the Scottish Government. 

The new £25million state-of-the-art specialist provision, set to open by 2020, will be built on the Auchenharvie Campus site and will see the closure of Haysholm, James Reid, James MacFarlane and Stanecastle Schools. 

Education and Youth Employment presented the proposal to Cabinet at a meeting on January 31.

The proposal was passed and then lodged with the Scottish Government with it being given the green light last week to proceed. 

Christina Larsen, Chairperson of Haysholm Parent Council for the past four years and  SNP Candidate for the Irvine South Ward said: "We are delighted that it's now all systems go for the new school.

"Over the last year, the four Parent Councils have worked very closely together with each other, with parents from our respective schools and with the team at Education and Youth Employment. The proposal has received huge support from parents, which will ensure the new school has the most up to date technology, a brand new hydrotherapy pool, up to date sensory equipment and plenty of outdoor space for the pupils to explore. This will not only create and improve learning opportunities for all pupils, but will also increase positive outcomes. 

"We are also excited at the prospect of having an ASN Early Years provision included in the new build, which will be a first for North Ayrshire. This will be of benefit to both parents and children, as early intervention has been proven to be make a huge, positive difference in the life of someone with ASN. 

"The four Parent Councils are committed to continuing to work closely and positively with Education and Youth Employment, as we move forward. We are thankful and appreciative of the level of parental engagement the Authority have afforded us up to now. 

"This is a very exciting time. I hope to continue to be fully involved in the creation and design of the new school, as I am committed to ensuring our most vulnerable children in North Ayrshire have their needs met and are given the best opportunity to thrive in a fully accessible, fit for purpose environment."