(UK) King's Lynn: Council considers more school space for kids with autism; complex needs
A decision on a school extension to provide extra places for children with autism will be made this week, with councillors being urged to give the scheme the green light.
Norfolk County Council's planning committee will decide whether or not to grant permission for the 16-place autism base at Greyfriars Academy in King’s Lynn.
The specialist resource centre, proposed for the London Road school by County Hall's education deparment, would be a single-storey building with two classrooms, which could each accommodate eight pupils.
There is currently no specialist autism provision within King’s Lynn and the west of the county and the base is one of a number of such facilities Norfolk County Council has been creating at existing schools.
They are being built so youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can get extra support within mainstream settings.
Education officials at County Hall have been wrestling with increased demand and complexity of needs among SEND children in recent years, with soaring bills to transport them to and from schools.
The creation of bases in places such as Norwich, King's Lynn and Dereham aims to provide school places nearer to where children live, so they do not have to travel long distances to special schools.
The proposed building at Greyfriars Academy would be built on the northwest corner of the site of the school, which was first opened in 1932.
A former IT building, timber shed and timber pavilion would need to be demolished in order for the new base to be built.
The county council has had seven objections to the proposal, with five letters of support.
The objections mainly relate to the disruption to current school pupils whrtr the base is built, while supporters say they are "crying out" for better SEND provision.
Officers are recommending that the council's planning committee approves the development when it meets on Friday (September 25).
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