It’s part of the council’s drive to improve the Additional Needs Sector and provide enhanced teaching environments for pupils in fit-for-purpose surroundings.

To mark the occasion Councillor Frank McNally, Convener of Education, unveiled a plaque in front of pupils, staff and invited guests.

He said: “We are determined to provide all our young people with the best start in life, and this new teaching area within Drumpark Primary School is a clear example of our ambition to provide all our young people with first-class learning environments.

“We are committed to improving standards within our Additional Support Needs schools and nurseries and this development is just one of a number of areas where we are taking action.”

In late 2020, North Lanarkshire Council’s ASN Review Group agreed a fundamental overhaul of the sector with a clear a goal of improving the quality of education and the future life opportunities of young people with additional support needs.

Among the recommendations were that Mavisbank School primary aged children are relocated to Drumpark Primary School, as part of a planned development within the school.

Gillian Pollock, Head Teacher of Drumpark Primary School, said: “The new area really is a fantastic new addition to the school. It provides us with a superb new teaching area as well as additional capacity as we welcome pupils from Mavisbank School. The reaction of staff and pupils has been incredibly positive.”

The rationalisation of ASN in North Lanarkshire is to ensure pupils are educated in higher quality facilities, to increase collaboration between schools and services, to provide an improved leadership structure and to strengthen career opportunities for all staff working in the sector.