(UK) Luton: Council plans for school for social, emotional, mental health needs

Feb 6, 2025, BBC News: Council plans special school for town 

Near London

A council has announced plans to build its first dedicated school for pupils aged nine to 16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) special needs.

Luton Council said children and young people with SEMH special needs could face significant challenges in regulating their emotions and behaviour.

Currently these pupils often have to attend high-cost specialist placements at schools and independent settings outside Luton.

Subject to planning approval, the new school would be built on a disused part of playing fields at the back of William Austin Junior and Infant School and would feature a sports hall, five-a-side pitch and multi-use games area.

The council said in the past five years there had been a 100% increase in education, health and care plans (EHCPs) for pupils with SEMH special needs.

It said they may also struggle to engage with learning and cope in classrooms without additional strategies and interventions, and that a dedicated school in the town was now required.