***(UK) Northumberland seeks new SPED school; 50% more children with complex needs since 2013

May 21, 2019, Northumberland Gazette: Learning about a Special Free School for Northumberland https://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/education/learning-about-a-special-free-school-for-northumberland-1-9780765 Northumberland County Council has run an event for trusts that could be interested in running a new Special Free School in the county. The council was successful in a bid to the Government to establish a new special school and received approval to move to the next stage of the process…. The new special school is set to provide places for secondary age young people who have autism and social, emotional and mental health needs…. Cath McEvoy-Carr, executive director of adult social care and children's services, said: “There is a high level of need for new special school places for young people with complex needs in Northumberland…. Northumberland has seen a 50% increase in the number of children with complex needs since 2013 and the number of children and young people in maintained special schools has also increased by 32% in this period. This has resulted in demand for specialist educational places outstripping existing capacity. To meet this demand, Northumberland County Council has already created additional school places at Hexham Priory and Ashdale special schools. …