SOLIHULL is set to get a new dedicated special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school.
The Department for Education has announced it will open 16 schools across England, including four in the West Midlands.
The schools, for nearly 600 children, in Herefordshire, Stoke on Trent, Walsall and Solihull will provide vital specialist spaces for pupils whose needs cannot be met in mainstream education.
The school in Solihull will create 150 places for children aged 11 to 19.
The location of the schools, nor which academy trusts will run them has been revealed.
Chief secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott said: “Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential.
“That’s why opening new special schools in Herefordshire, Stoke on Trent, Walsall and Solihull will be transformational for local children with additional needs.
“It will ensure they receive a best-in-class education and provide a helping hand to hard working families across the West Midlands.”
The announcement follows an investment of £105million confirmed by the Chancellor at this year’s Spring Budget and is part of the Government’s plan that is delivering 60,000 more special school.
Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said: “This is fantastic news for children and families across Solihull.
“Creating this free school will enable us to provide better opportunities for those with special educational needs and disabilities. On a practical level it also means we will be able to educate more children nearer to their homes, so all round they should receive a better learning experience.
“Thank you to everyone who has worked hard in putting this bid together. It is a huge achievement and a key milestone in our continued work to ensure that all our children and young people with additional needs can achieve the very best.”
Special schools ensure pupils with special needs such as autism, emotional and behaviour disorders, severe learning difficulties and more can flourish thanks to specially trained teachers, programmes, and equipment.
Education secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Special schools can truly transform children’s lives, enabling pupils with SEND to thrive in environments that meet their needs.
“I know how hard it can be for families trying to navigate the SEND system, and the creation of more brilliant special schools is just one part of our plan to make sure every family and every child get the right support, in the right place at the right time.”
A consultation has been launched setting out proposals to use unregistered alternative provision as an intervention, not a destination, to complement the education provided in school.
The deadline for views is 11.50pm on July 5.
For more or to have your say click here.
