Special educational needs units could be added to schools in south Cumbria

New special educational need units could be brought into schools across south Cumbria.

The new provisions would be targeted at a range of children’s needs including autism, speech, severe learning disabilities and more.

Four council-run schools across Westmorland and Furness could see the provisions brought in with a consultation set to take place.

Brisbane Park Infant School in Barrow could see the creation of 18 places for children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

At Dowdales School in Dalton, there could be the creation of 15 places for children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH), with the potential to accommodate children with autism needs.

A further 12 places could be created at John Ruskin School in Coniston for children with cognition and learning needs while four places could be brought in at Appleby Primary School for children with severe learning disabilities, also with flexibility to cater for those with autism needs.

They would come in the form of ‘specialist inclusion bases’ which is a designated area or facility in a mainstream school that provides support to pupils with specific needs.

If approved, they would come in from January.

Those are for the council-maintained schools but there are also consultations for specialist provision at academy-led schools in the council area.

Walney School in Barrow, run by Furness Education Trust (FET), could bring in 25 places for children with SLCN and autism needs, and ‘is with the Department for Education for approval’.

Also FET-run Furness Academy could see 12 places brought in for children with SEMH and emotionally-based school avoidance needs.

Cumbria Education Trust’s Queen Katherine School in Kendal could see 12 places for children with autism and SLCN needs.

The proposals were discussed at the Liberal Democrat cabinet meeting on October 13.

Councillor Janet Battye, cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills, introduced the item before debate started.

Councillor Adrian Waite, cabinet member for environmental services and transport, seconded the proposals, saying: “(The proposal) expands educational opportunities for children with additional needs, supports greater inclusion within mainstream settings, and reduces reliance on more expensive independent and out-of-area provision.

“The report identifies indicative cumulative savings of over £1 million by the end of 2029/30, alongside potential reductions in transport costs when more children can be educated closer to home.”

He added the ‘overwhelmingly positive response’ from pupils, parents, staff and governors demonstrates the ‘strength of support’.

The item was approved and consultation will begin for the scheme.

The Furness Locality Board previously spoke on the proposals for schools in its area.

Councillor Ben Shirley, of Dalton North, Conservative, expressed his ‘delight’ in and said they all aspired to provide a safe and inclusive environment for children.

Councillor Beverly Morgan, of Ormsgill and Parkside, Labour, said it was a ‘brilliant idea’.