(UK) Clifton: Special school for 24 students/15 staff plan submitted
- Jul 10, 2025
- 2 min read
July 7, 2025, W. Bridgford Wire: Plans for new SEND facility in Clifton
SW England
A young people’s centre in Clifton could be turned into a specialist educational facility for those with special educational needs after plans were submitted by the city council.
On Friday (July 4), Nottingham City Council itself submitted plans to turn Clifton Young People’s Centre in Green Lane, Clifton, into an educational facility for over 20 young people aged 16 to 19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The centre primarily operated as a community facility for young people up until February 2022 and was ran by the city council’s children’s services.
Due to budget problems, the intention was to lease the building to a separate community group but planning papers say: “Despite interest and detailed negotiations, no community group was in a position to take on the building.”
In May 2023 the building was declared “surplus to requirements” by the council and remained redundant until the present, according to plans.
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After the city council identified a need for extra facilities and space for pupils with special educational needs in 2024, it spoke with Nethergate Academy to use the centre as a satellite facility – meaning a secondary location for the academy.
If plans are approved, an additional 24 spaces for these pupils will be provided, with 16 available from October 2025 and another eight from September 2026.
Proposals include adapting the Green Lane Youth Centre to provide accommodation. . . .
A four-week consultation period took place between February 24 and March 24, 2025, including parents of pupils at Nethergate Academy, staff, councillors, Nottingham schools and community groups. No objections were given to the proposals.
Papers say: “Nethergate Academy will also look to partner an experienced community group to provide community and youth provision during evenings, weekends and school holidays at this satellite site.”
Documents state the school would be open from 6am until 6pm Monday to Friday during term time with up to 15 staff members on site.
Teaching staff and pupils will travel to the site in minibuses from Nethergate Academy on Swansdowne Drive.
Nethergate Academy is part of the Greenwood Academies Trust and provides education for young people with special educational needs who are aged between five and 19 – it has an “outstanding” rating from education watchdog Ofsted.
Plans will be decided on at a later date.
Nottingham City Council was approached for comment regarding increased capacity for pupils with special educational needs.
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