Previously, these students had been scattered across the Lower Hunter. 

Two existing rooms, a demountable classroom and a staff room have been refurbished to house the faculty, which oversees the education of nearly 30 special needs children from years 7 to 12. 

Head teacher Toni Atkinson said the faculty would give special education a bigger voice in the school, the Department of Education and Communities and the community.

“By dedicating teachers, resources and buildings to these students, we can give them the best opportunity for individual success in mainstream society,” Mrs Atkinson said. 

The new facilities have given the school the capability to host three classes designed to meet the varying requirements of the Hunter’s special needs students. 

Mrs Atkinson said the provision of quality education to her students was resource intensive, but would make a marked improvement in the quality of life for those students and their families.

“Each of the kids needs individual learning plans and different sensory resources in order to learn effectively and, until today, that’s meant they have had to travel to Newcastle or specialty schools,” she said.

“There’s over 100 years of experience in our staff room and  families can now be assured that there’s committed, quality education for all kids around Kurri.”