A NEW £20million state-of-the-art additional support needs (ASN) school will open its doors in August, North Ayrshire Council has confirmed.

It was initially understood that there would be a phased reopening of Lockhart Campus in Stevenston in May/June to allow for pupils and staff to acclimatise before they all come together after the summer holidays.

However, the council has announced today that although the facility is close to completion, the pandemic has slowed construction down and there have been various supply issues which have hindered progress. After discussions with contractors Morrison Construction, it is expected that all pupils will be in Lockhart Campus on August 24.

Parents have been informed of the changes to plans and will very shortly receive the detailed arrangements for the start of term in August.

Councillor John Bell, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “We are on the final stretch and can see the finishing line and the easiest thing to do would be to open the school now.

“While there is every chance we could achieve this the last thing we want to do is rush to open the school and not have the building at its very best for the children. They deserve that and we are confident they will get that when we open in August.

“The transition that we had planned for June will take place in August, with the pupils from the four schools moving in over a period of a couple of weeks.

“This gives them a chance to settle and we think this will ensure everyone is ready when the school opens fully in late August.”

The new ASN school – situated next to Auchenharvie Academy - brings the pupils of Haysholm, Stanecastle, James Reid and James MacFarlane together.

Sitting next to the school will be two Respite facilities - Roslin House will cater for young people and Red Rose House for adults.

A decision on when these facilities will open is expected shortly.