(UK) Lancashire: 3 schools to get new SPED units; 16 more planned

Sept 9, 2021, Blog Preston: Ashton-on-Ribble and Leyland schools to get more special education needs provision https://www.blogpreston.co.uk/2021/09/ashton-on-ribble-and-leyland-schools-to-get-more-special-education-needs-provision/

NW England SEN provision in Lancashire has received a huge boost following a series of decisions taken by councillors. At its cabinet meeting on Thursday, Lancashire County Council agreed proposals to create SEN units at the following schools:  Ashton Community Science College in Preston  Seven Stars Primary School in Leyland  Highfield Community Primary School in Chorley… Unless specified otherwise, the SEN units will be for up to 16 pupils with social, communication and interaction needs. At the most recent cabinet meeting, councillors also approved the initiation of the informal consultation process to expand and increase the number of special school places through the development of satellite units across the county linked to established special schools. This will mean that pupils will be on the roll at the special schools, but the buildings will be on current vacant buildings near to the school…. The strategy, which was approved by cabinet last October, was developed in response to the increase in demand for specialist SEND provision in particular areas across Lancashire…. County Councillor Jayne Rear, who represents Leyland South, said: “The decisions taken by the county council’s cabinet will provide extra provision for children in Lancashire who need additional support. “Not only have we agreed to create another seven SEN units within mainstream schools, but we will now explore the possibility of creating new SEN units at nine additional mainstream schools. These specialist teaching facilities will help us to support children and young people to achieve their full potential in education and future employment. “We will also begin informal consultation process to expand and increase the number of special school places through the creation of satellite units in areas that need it most….