(UK) Havering: 'One of biggest SEND schools in the country' proposed; 300 autistic students

May 28, 2025, Romford Recorder: Balgores SEND School, Gidea Park, exhibitions to be held

Near London

Gidea Park residents and parents can now have their say on proposals for "one of the biggest schools in the country" for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Havering Council has proposed building a new SEND school on the Balgores Fields site.

The plans have been in the pipeline for more than a year - with the council appointing developer Galliford Try to draw up the scheme last October - but are now being shared in more detail with the public.

A public exhibition will be held tomorrow (May 29) and Saturday (May 31) at the Royal Liberty School, featuring the initial designs.

Representatives from the council and Galliford Try's design team will also be on hand to discuss the proposals and answer any questions.

Councillor Oscar Ford, cabinet member for children and young people, said the council is keen to "hear the voices of those affected or impacted in some way".

Cllr Ford told the Recorder: "We are very excited about this project which will provide a new first-class facility for children with special educational needs.

"It will be one of the biggest SEND schools in the country and will help address the desperate need for this type of facility for our children.

"It will mean shorter and less stressful journeys for children and their families and ensure they are closer to friendship groups and their local community."

He added that the council is working with a "highly experienced team" who understand the needs of SEND children and families.

Balgores SEND School is proposed to cater for 300 pupils, aged four to 19, with autism spectrum disorder and complex learning needs.

It would be a part one-, part two-storey building, featuring different areas for different age groups. . . .

The school will be operated by Astrum Multi Academy Trust, who already operate a number of special schools in the area.

It will be funded from a Department for Education capital grant, and not from council funds, a Havering Council spokesperson has confirmed. . . .