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(UK) Solihull: New special school for 150 planned; 'that is huge for us'

May 31, 2024, Birmingham Live: Location of Solihull’s new school with 150 places revealed 

The Department of Education (DofE) announced earlier this month the Midlands would be seeing four new special education needs schools open


The chosen location of Solihull’s new 150 place special school has been revealed. 


The Department of Education (DofE) announced earlier this month the Midlands would be seeing four new special education needs schools open – with Solihull one of the places selected.


The DofE said Solihull’s school would receive 150 places for pupils aged five to 19. Initially no location was announced but at the recent Solihull Council meeting Councillor Karen Grinsell, the lead member for Children and Education, revealed Sans Souci Training Centre was the authority’s selected location.


The deputy leader mentioned the school within her report on the priorities for the year to the authority’s Children’s Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board.


Coun Grinsell said: “On our specialist provision – you will all have heard we have just had the acknowledgement and confirmation we are getting for another 150 place school. That is brilliant, that is huge for us. . . .


 “Creating this free school will enable us to provide better opportunities for those with special educational needs and disabilities. 


“On a practical level it also means we will be able to educate more children nearer to their homes, so all round they should receive a better learning experience. Thank you to everyone who has worked hard in putting this bid together.” . . .


The scheme is part of the government’s plan to deliver 60,000 more special school places following investment of £105 million [$134M] confirmed at this year’s spring budget. 


The planned 60,000 places is the largest ever expansion in capacity – following a decrease in pupils in special schools nationally from 1997 to 2010. 


Walsall, Hereford and Stoke-on-Trent were the other locations in the Midlands selected for the schools.


The board’s meeting was held at the Civic Suite on May 21.



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