Dec 5, 2024, Bracknell News: Wokingham: MP raises concerns on progress of SEND schools
Near London
Clive Jones, MP for Wokingham, has said that two new schools being delivered by the Department for Education are ‘waiting for approval to proceed’, and asked minister for school standards Catherine McKinnell to investigate.
The new schools are being delivered through Wokingham Borough Council’s participation in the Safety Valve scheme.
This Government programme will deliver two specialist schools in the borough in return for a reduction of the council’s overspend on SEND.
These will be in Rooks Nest Farm between Barkham and Finchampstead and will offer 120 places each for children and young people aged four to 19 years old.
One will support children with Social and Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) needs and the other will specialise in Severe Learning Disabilities. . . .
He said: “Wokingham Borough Council has previously been promised two SEND free schools, yet both are waiting for approval to proceed. And therefore, I would be incredibly grateful if the minister could do some digging into when the schools will be delivered.”
Mr Jones requested the minister write a letter to him and the council updating on their progress. He also asked for a meeting to ‘discuss Wokingham’s situation’.
Two specialist provisions have already been delivered, with the Oak Tree School and early year’s centre at Addington Special school both opened in 2023.. . .
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