Plumstead special school Willow Dene opens £14m new building

Willow Dene School had previously been housed in temporary Swingate Lane buildings dating back to 2004. With delays caused by negotiations over a proposed move to Hervey Road playing field in Blackheath, those buildings fell into disrepair.

But now the 163-pupil primary school, rated good by Ofsted inspectors, has its own purpose-made building including a warm water pool funded with £1.1m from Greenwich Council.

Co-head teachers Carolyn Vagg and Rachel Harrison said: "For many years, children and adults at Willow Dene made the very best of the old buildings, which were well below the standard needed. They achieved this through hard work, commitment and the determination to succeed.

"Now we have a modern, purpose-built school which affords even greater opportunities for teaching and learning and which, with its up-to-date facilities, more closely reflects the diverse and complex needs of our growing school population.

"Whenever we walk into our new building it is with a sense of wonderment and a daily reminder of the aspiration we hold for our children - seeing possibilities, realising dreams."

The new look Willow Dene includes 24 light and airy classrooms with specialist equipment, innovative outside learning plus designated rooms for parents, therapists and nurses.

Greenwich Council deputy leader Councillor John Fahy said: "The new school building is quite stunning.

How the school used to look

"Willow Dene’s pupils are among our most vulnerable, and it is tremendous to see them enjoying access to such high quality educational and therapy facilities. I have no doubt that Willow Dene school will continue to be a centre of excellence for years to come."  

Money came from Department for Education funding, council borrowing and the sale of Adair House in Shooters Hill.