September 22, 2022, Northumberland Gazette: Council approves next steps in £36.6m schools shake-up in Amble area https://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/education/council-approves-next-steps-in-ps366m-schools-shake-up-in-amble-area-3852079
N. England
Northumberland County Council has already approved a £25.5m investment in the Coquet Partnership, including the replacement or refurbishment of James Calvert Spence College (JCSC).
But before committing to such a major investment, an informal public consultation took place on the future structure of the school system in the partnership.
An overwhelming 92% of respondents said they believed a two-tier structure would deliver the best outcomes for young people.
There was also support for proposals to create 50 new places for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by building a new satellite site of Barndale House Special School on the current JCSC South Avenue site that would open in September 2024.
The new SEND hub would cater primarily for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Speech Language and Communication (SLCN) and Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD)….
“The informal public consultation showed widespread support for the two-tier model and for expanding SEND provision….
