(UK) Notts: Council approves $1M for additional autism unit at local school

May 22, 2026, Major investment in expanding provision for Nottingham young people with special educational needs and disabilities – My Nottingham News

Nottingham City Council has approved additional funding of £830,000 [$1M] to support the development of a new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) unit at Fernwood Academy in Wollaton.

The investment brings the total value of the project to £3.98 million [$5.3M] and marks a significant step forward in expanding specialist education provision for children and young people in Nottingham.

The new purpose-built SEND unit will provide space for 24 pupils in Key Stages 3 and 4, including 20 additional places commissioned by Council. It will support pupils with moderate learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorder, helping them access high-quality education within their local community.

The development forms part of the Council’s SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2023–2028, which aims to increase local specialist placements and reduce reliance on costly out-of-area provision. . . .

Construction is expected to progress following approval, helping the Council meet its statutory duty to provide sufficient and appropriate school places for children and young people with SEND.