(UK) Northampton: $26M for 250 place special school okayed; 500 places for 2024

Sept 30, 2022, Northampton Chronicle: The operator for the school is expected to be announced later this year https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/politics/councillors-approve-250-place-special-educational-needs-school-between-northampton-and-towcester-3862906

E. Midlands

The green light has been given for a 250-place special educational needs school between Northampton and Towcester.

At a West Northamptonshire Council full council meeting on Thursday September 29, councillors approved the latest report on plans to convert an empty facility in Tiffield into a SEND school for children aged four to 18.

The unit will cater for children who are on the autistic spectrum (ASC) and have speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), and those with severe learning difficulties (SLD). It is hoped places can be offered by 2024.

Councillor Fiona Baker, WNC’s Cabinet Member for children, families and education, said: “I am delighted that these plans have been approved and that we are continuing to take steps towards our goal to provide over 500 specialist school places by 2024….

The Secretary of State is expected to make a final decision on the operator later this year. Cllr Baker previously said the school will cost in the region of “£23 million [$26M] to build”. “This figure is subject to final feasibility reports," she added.

The plans come in addition to a £1.1 million [$1.2M] expansion and the creation of 50 new specialist places at Hunsbury Park Primary School, which was given the go ahead earlier this year.

A proposal has also been submitted to extend Northgate School Arts College in Queens Park Parade, Kingsthorpe which caters to almost 250 autistic students.