(UK) Oxfordshire: $18.3M autism school approved; a 'milestone'

 Jan 24, 2024, Banbury Guardian: New £14.4m [$18.3M] school approved in Oxfordshire for children with special educational needs

County council leader described the decision as a “milestone”

https://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/education/new-ps144m-school-approved-in-oxfordshire-for-children-with-special-educational-needs-4491687

SE England

The county council leader has described the decision to approved funding for a new £14.4m [$18.3M] special education needs school as a “milestone”.

Oxfordshire County Council cabinet members considered a recommendation to give the green light to the proposed school for children with Social and Emotional High Needs (SEMH) and Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)….

The motion to approve the funding was proposed by finance chief Dan Levi and seconded by cabinet member for infrastructure and development strategy, Judy Roberts.

Mr Levi said the council was looking to expand its SEND provision within the county….

A council report identified a need for two new special schools in the south-east of

Oxfordshire, for Social, emotional and mental health and autistic spectrum disorder (SEMH/ASD).

The cost of the new school will be met from grant funding.

Oxfordshire County Council faced scrutiny last year after a report identified “widespread and systemic failings” which needed to be “addressed urgently”.