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School to Expand After Securing Grade II Listed Maltings

15/05/2025

Source: Thetford and Brandon Times

The Damara School in Thetford is set for a significant expansion, having secured a lease for the historic Grade II listed Maltings building on Raymond Street from Breckland Council. This strategic move will allow the specialist school, run by the Lotus Academy Trust, to more than double its pupil capacity from 14 to 32. This development is particularly crucial as it addresses the pressing need for more special educational needs (SEN) places within the county. The Damara School Thetford, which opened its doors in April 2021, caters specifically to children facing social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges, offering a vital alternative to mainstream education.

Sandra Govender, chief executive of the Lotus Academy Trust and headteacher of the Damara School, expressed her excitement about acquiring The Maltings. She emphasized the school's ongoing commitment to supporting children with significant SEMH difficulties through a therapeutic and holistic educational approach. The vision, as stated by Mrs. Govender, is to empower every child with the pastoral development needed to cope with life's pressures and make positive contributions to society. The expansion into The Maltings Thetford represents a key step in realizing this vision on a larger scale, providing a nurturing environment for more students.

Paul Hewitt, executive member for property at Breckland Council, highlighted the collaborative effort between the council and the Damara School, viewing the lease as a commitment to community betterment. He noted that this partnership will enable the school to continue delivering essential services to local children who might otherwise struggle in traditional educational settings. The Maltings building itself, dating back to the late 18th century and rebuilt in 1861, will undergo alterations to create suitable play space for the pupils, transforming the former office and warehouse space into a vibrant learning environment. This expansion signifies a positive development for SEN provision in Thetford and the wider Breckland area.