Kirklees Cabinet approves £1.4m funding for SEND school facilities

Plans to provide additional assistance to vulnerable children and young individuals in Kirklees have progressed to an exciting new phase. Members of the Kirklees Cabinet have given their approval for approximately £1.4 million to be allocated towards the creation of excellent new school facilities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Earlier this year, permission was granted to establish “Additionally Resourced Provisions” at several local schools. These provisions are designed as small, nurturing environments that offer specialised support to students with additional needs.

The Cabinet has now agreed to fund a variety of projects, including classroom remodelling, the establishment of new facilities, and adaptations to outdoor spaces in order to meet the requirements of the children.

Furthermore, the council is investing in additional special school places, which will be provided by existing special schools but situated at different locations, such as within mainstream schools. These provisions are referred to as “Satellite Provisions.”

This comprehensive package forms part of our ongoing efforts to transform SEND services, expand the number of specialist places available to students in need, and ensure that all children and young people receive the best possible start in life.

Councillor Carole Pattison, Cabinet member for Learning, Aspiration, and Communities, expressed her enthusiasm for the plans, stating, “The magnitude of these initiatives demonstrates our immense ambition for all students in Kirklees, including those with additional needs.”

She further added, “The demand for SEND provision is increasing nationwide. We strive for local children to attend local schools whenever possible, and thus, we are creating new places while ensuring they are equipped with high-quality facilities.”

“Our SEND transformation targets the areas that will have the greatest impact on families and aim to enable each individual to achieve their full potential.”

“We have worked closely with all the schools involved in our plans, and we extend our gratitude to them for their invaluable contributions. Together, we are achieving improved outcomes and positively transforming numerous lives.”

Significant investments will be made in seven Kirklees schools as part of this initiative:

1. Netherhall St James CE (VC) Infant and Nursery School: An Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) has already been approved, providing up to 12 places for students with complex communication and interaction needs. Cabinet approval has been granted for funding classroom and toilet renovations, as well as the creation of a sensory space.
2. Netherhall Learning Campus High School: An ARP has already been agreed upon, accommodating up to 20 young people with complex communication and interaction needs. Refurbishments and improvements to outdoor spaces are required.
3. Old Bank Academy: An ARP has previously received approval for up to 16 children with cognition and learning needs. Various internal and external improvements are necessary.
4. Beaumont Primary Academy: An ARP has already been approved for up to 12 children with social, emotional, and mental health needs. Both internal and external refurbishments are needed.
5. Carlinghow Academy: An ARP has already been given the green light for up to 12 pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs. The school will undergo classroom refurbishments and the construction of a new kitchen area.
6. Southgate Special School: A Satellite Provision will be established to cater for up to 20 Southgate students with complex needs. The provision will be based at Newsome Academy, necessitating various works at the site.
7. Woodley School and College: A post-16 Satellite Provision will be created, offering up to 16 vocational places for young individuals with autism. This provision will be situated in a council-owned building in Huddersfield town centre and will include a workshop, retail shop, and classroom for Woodley pupils.

These endeavours underline the commitment of the Kirklees Council to ensure that all children and young people in the region receive the necessary support and resources to thrive academically and personally.