July 30, 2020, Hemel Today: Hemel Hempstead school helps set up new free school in Hertfordshire https://www.hemeltoday.co.uk/news/people/hemel-hempstead-school-helps-set-new-free-school-hertfordshire-2928783 SE England The Department for Education has announced that the James Marks Academy, which is being set up by a school in Hemel Hempstead, has been approved to open in Hertfordshire. The new free school, which is being set up by Roman Fields - an outstanding provision that serves a similar cohort of pupils with complex needs - is due to open in Welwyn in September 2022. The James Marks Academy will be made up of Roman Fields and James Marks Academy, and will serve pupils with high anxiety and mental health issues; those pupils for whom a traditional SEMH school would not be deemed appropriate. Trevor Orchard, headteacher at Roman Fields, spearheaded the Roman Fields project team. He said: "I believe this is a really important step for SEN in Hertefordshire. "We will have a local response that will provide an alternative to the significant number of out of county placements which will enable pupils to remain in their family home, whilst accessing the education and support they need to flourish as economically active and happy adults…. Terry Douris, Cabinet Member for Education, Libraries and Localism at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “Hertfordshire County Council is delighted that Roman Fields is to set up the new free school which will enable us to support more young people with additional needs to thrive in a supportive and safe environment….
When full, the school will offer places for 60 pupils, all of whom will have an EHC plan; some may also have additional diagnoses such as ASC. The majority of this cohort will have sensory issues, so they will be accommodated in a new building that will be specifically designed to take account for this. Unity Howard, Director of New Schools Network, said: “I am delighted Roman Fields has been approved to open, joining 36 other special and alternative provision free schools that were approved today…. "These new schools will offer some of our most vulnerable young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, the opportunity to access a high quality education that is tailored to their needs. "Special and alternative provision free schools are among the most innovative and successful providers, and it is fantastic news for local families that that they will be able to access this provision….
Comentários