Yahoo News East Yorkshire to get new school as support for pupils with special educational needs is expanded
A new school providing dedicated support for 120 children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is to open in East Yorkshire.
The school, whose location in the county has yet to be announced, is being created to provide vital specialist spaces for pupils whose needs cannot be met in mainstream education. The East Riding is one of 16 UK areas announced for the creation of special free schools, as part of a Government programme.
A competition for academy trusts to run each of the schools will be launched this week – details will be available on Gov.uk from Monday, May 13 – ahead of announcements about the schools’ exact locations. The East Yorkshire school will cater for children and young people aged five to 19 who have social, emotional and mental health needs.
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The announcement for 16 new schools across England follows investment of £105m confirmed by the Chancellor in this year’s Spring Budget, and is part of the Government’s plan that is delivering 60,000 more special school places – the largest ever expansion in capacity. It follows a decrease in pupils in special schools from 1997 to 2010.
The Government has already opened 108 schools as part of the special free schools programme since 2010, with a further 93 planned to open in future years. 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 special education needs and disabilities 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.”
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott said: “Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential. That’s why opening a new special school in the East Riding of Yorkshire will be transformational for local children with additional needs.”
The move would ensure “best-in-class education”, she said, and provide a helping hand to hard-working families in the region. The Government is committed to reforming the SEND and Alternative Provision system to ensure earlier intervention, consistent high standards and less bureaucracy through its SEND and AP Improvement Plan.
