Hertfordshire approves up to 128 new specialist SEND places, most in mainstream schools
Hertfordshire County Council’s Cabinet has approved four SEND units in mainstream schools and a special school satellite, adding up to 128 places so more children can learn close to home.
In short
- Hertfordshire County Council’s Cabinet has approved four SEND units in mainstream schools and a special school satellite, adding up to 128 places so more children can learn close to home.
Hertfordshire County Council’s Cabinet has approved up to 128 new specialist places for children with special educational needs and disabilities, Hits Radio reports. The decision was made on Wednesday 4 November.
Where the places will be
Most of the new places are in SEND units based inside mainstream schools. According to Hits Radio, four units will provide 88 places, at a cost of more than £7m:
- St Mary’s Infants’ School, Baldock: 12 places
- Shenley Primary School, Radlett: 16 places
- Hitchin Boys’ School, Hitchin: 36 places
- Ralph Sadleir School, Ware: 24 places
The units are for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans who have more complex or multiple needs. Pupils are based in the unit and join mainstream lessons and school events where that’s right for them.
The Cabinet also agreed to enlarge Colnbrook Special School through a satellite at Woodhall Primary School, adding 40 places for children and young people with severe learning difficulties, at a cost of more than £3m.
No opening dates have been given yet.
Close to home
According to Hits Radio, the aim is for children to get specialist support as close to home as possible, while staying connected to their local school community. The council’s executive member for education, SEND and inclusion said: “Every child deserves to feel included, supported, and able to thrive in education close to their home.”
Our view
Long journeys to distant placements cost children a lot: time, energy, friendships and a sense of belonging in their own community. Specialist bases inside local mainstream schools can offer the best of both, if they are properly staffed and the whole school is ready to welcome the children in them. New places are welcome news for families who have been waiting. The test will be how quickly they open, and whether they are built around what the children actually need.
This piece summarises reporting by Hits Radio. Read the original article for the full story.
Sources
Topics: SEND, EHCP, Education, UK, England, Hertfordshire