Mar 14, 2023,Derbyshire Live: More than £2m [$2.4M] to be spent on more places for Derby special needs children https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-news/more-2m-spent-more-places-8244936.amp
E. Midlands
Just over £2 million is to be spent by the city council increasing the number and type of school places available in Derby for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The plan involves extending and remodelling Newton's Walk pupil referral unit and increasing the number of places at Kingsmead Special School.
When complete, the remodelled premises will allow Kingsmead School to offer additional places for SEND pupils aged between 11 and 16 with social-emotional mental health (SEMH) needs. It would also create the capacity to provide an alternative provision for pupils who are in mainstream school, allowing schools to purchase up to 20 personalised packages.
It is anticipated the project will increase provision from April 2024, when there would be an improved SEMH offer with 25 additional places, increasing the commissioned number to 310 in total.
Locally and nationally, the SEND system is experiencing increasing demand and is therefore under significant pressure. The council is working to increase Derby’s capacity to meet the needs of children with SEND. This will mean more children will access the education they need within their own community, close to their family and friends, and reduce the need for placements outside the area….
