In a significant development aimed at improving educational opportunities for children with additional needs, the council has approved a substantial increase in school placements. This decision is in response to recommendations from a comprehensive review of the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) system.
The council has authorised the creation of 93 new resourced provision places and 32 additional special school places. This expansion addresses the rising demand for specialised educational settings, particularly for students with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, and Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN).
Resourced provisions are designed to offer specialised support within mainstream schools, typically in separate, well-equipped classrooms. These provisions are staffed by highly skilled professionals with expertise similar to that found in special schools, allowing children to remain within their local communities while receiving the necessary support.
The new provisions will see 63 places allocated to primary schools across the borough, and 30 to secondary schools. This allocation reflects the council’s commitment to addressing the needs of students at various stages of their education.
The next focus will be on expanding resourced provisions within secondary schools. The council is also working to support schools in providing inclusive mainstream placements for students who could benefit from such environments.
Additionally, the council is set to launch its first special school satellite provision in the region this September. Hosted by a local high school, this satellite will offer a specialised curriculum and social experiences tailored to individual needs, while also integrating mainstream opportunities.
A spokesperson for the council expressed enthusiasm about the new provisions, stating, “We are delighted to announce the addition of 93 new resourced places and 32 special school places. We are particularly excited about the introduction of the Satellite Provision at the high school, which will be the first of its kind in the area.”
The spokesperson highlighted that the satellite provision will feature a personalised timetable for each student, including opportunities for inclusion in mainstream lessons and informal social activities. The satellite classroom will be part of the high school and include access to a secure outdoor area, such as a sensory garden. The close proximity of the high school to a nearby primary school means that children could transition smoothly to secondary education without the challenges and costs of travelling to more distant provisions.
The council’s lead member for children and families commented on the expansion, noting, “This is an important initial step in increasing our capacity to accommodate children with additional needs. The Satellite Provision will also be integrated into the high school’s government-funded rebuilding programme, creating additional classes for Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 3 from September.”
This expansion is part of a broader movement towards enhancing support for pupils with additional needs, both locally and nationally. The council’s strategic approach not only addresses current requirements but also anticipates future needs, ensuring that the educational environment remains inclusive and supportive.
In summary, the approval for additional school places represents a major advancement in providing specialist education. As these new provisions are implemented, ongoing assessment will be essential to ensure they effectively meet students’ needs and offer equitable opportunities for all. The introduction of the satellite provision at the high school marks a promising step towards a more integrated and inclusive educational landscape, with potential for further developments in the future.
