Friday June 26th 2026
Woodburn Primary School
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
Plans to introduce additional support needs facilities at a Midlothian primary school have been approved after receiving overwhelming support during a consultation.
More than 87 percent of those who responded to the proposals for Woodburn Primary School in Dalkeith backed the move with less than one in ten against it and a tiny minority uncertain.
At a meeting of Midlothian Council this week elected members approved the plans after hearing about the support as they welcomed the additional facilities to the primary school.
A report by officers on the proposals said the local authority was Midlothian Council was committed to establishing a permanent provision for primary-aged children with additional support needs (ASN) within Woodburn Primary School.
The proposals were supported by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland ‘s independent review following the consultation which was carried out earlier this year.
The council said the proposed provision will continue to offer high-quality
educational experiences, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Councillors approved the ASN stage at the school which will be under the leadership of Woodburn Primary’s head teacher and is expected to be in place by the start of the new school term in August.
Councillor Ellen Scott, the SNP administration’s education spokesperson said any concerns raised by staff and families during the consultation had been addressed and work would get underway to ensure the facilities were ready for children over the summer break.
Council leader Kelly Parry welcomed the decision saying: “This is another good example of us investing exactly where we need to be investing which is in vulnerable young people, particularly our ASN community which has grown.
I would draw attention to the responses to the consultation with 87.7 percent of people in favour of this proposal so the public is clearly behind this as well.”
Councillor Margot Russell also welcomed the decision which was unanoumously supported adding: “I am sure the families of some young people who have been struggling with school work will benefit from this type of education which meets their needs.”
Tweet Share on Facebook
