(UK) Norfolk: Education officials. . . wrestling with increased demand, complexity of needs
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An extension at a Norfolk school so it can provide extra support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has been given the green light.
Plans for a new Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) teaching block at Toftwood Infant and Junior School in Dereham have been approved by planners at Norfolk County Council.
Officials at County Hall used their delegated powers to grant permission for the single-storey specialist resource base at the School Lane school.
The centre will offer 16 places for children with a wide range of emotional, behavioural and social challenges - eight in Key Stage 1 and eight for Key Stage 2. . . .
Officers at County Hall said: "Norfolk County Council, as education authority, has a statutory duty to provide sufficient school places.
"There is a shortfall in provision for pupils with special needs in this part of the county.
"Norfolk County Council has identified a need to deliver additional pupil places to enhance opportunities and learning outcomes.
"The proposed development would provide a purpose-built additional learning environment."
Conservative-controlled Norfolk County Council has been creating similar specialist resource bases for children at other Norfolk schools, so SEND youngsters 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.
More specialist resource bases are to be constructed at St William's Primary in Thorpe St Andrew and at Lingwood Primary Academy later this year.
Five further bases for autistic children and young people are due to open in 2027, including a new permanent base at Greyfriars Academy in King’s Lynn.
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