Last few days to comment on future provision for special schools

Last few days to comment on future provision for special schools

A consultation on how we can best invest to ensure sufficient places for children and young people with special needs and or disabilities into the future has attracted hundreds of responses.

More than 750 responses to the proposals on future provision have been sent online as schools, parents and children and young people have sent in feedback to help us shape provision to meet growing demand.

Schools in the north of the county are already at full capacity and more space is needed to provide for at least an additional 70 pupils in this area alone by 2026. Overall the north will need to build 150 places to meet the overcrowding situation in the schools there. The proposals are part of a county-wide solution to create an additional 220 spaces by 2026

We are committing significant investment to ensure pupils can learn in schools with sufficient space to meet their needs into the future.

People are being asked for feedback on three options:

  • Develop a single school
  • Develop two schools
  • Develop/continue three schools in Chippenham, Trowbridge and near Devizes

The results of the consultation will go back to cabinet for any further action including the possibility of publishing statutory notices for formal consultation on any specific proposal.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services said: “We have to act now as our schools in the north are already full and we know we need more spaces for the future. We are going to commit significant investment so it’s important we get this right and our pupils can learn in a supportive environment that helps them to thrive.

“I’m really pleased we’ve had so many people taking part in this consultation. I’ve spoken to schools and families and I know they want the very best for our pupils now and for the future. There are just a few days left and I’d encourage those who haven’t done so already to have their say.”

The consultation and videos explaining the importance of the consultation is live until 31 July 2018 on our consultations portal.

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