New SEND school for Portland hailed as “early Christmas present” after £3.8m government boost
MP Lloyd Hatton is celebrating £3.8m in government funding to open a new SEND school on Portland
A long-awaited SEND school on Portland has moved a step closer after the government confirmed £3.8m in funding for the project, following more than a year of campaigning by South Dorset’s Labour MP, Lloyd Hatton.
The new school, planned for the Osprey Quay site, will create around 70 specialist places for children with special educational needs and disabilities, offering local families much-needed respite from long daily journeys to out-of-area provision.
Lloyd Hatton, who has repeatedly pressed ministers on the shortage of specialist places, including questioning the prime minister directly at PMQs, said the announcement marked a major breakthrough for families who have fought for years to secure appropriate support.
He said: “This really does feel like an early Christmas present for Weymouth and Portland. “I know this decision will have a lasting and positive impact for so many SEND families in our community.
“With almost £4 million of extra funding now confirmed, I will continue to work closely with Dorset Council and all the key players to finally open a new SEND school on Portland.”
The funding forms part of what ministers describe as a “landmark” multibillion-pound expansion of England’s SEND system.
The education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, this week outlined plans to create tens of thousands of specialist places nationally, alongside more support within mainstream schools.
John White, chief executive of the Southern Education Trust said the approval had brought the long-delayed project “back on track”.
He added: “The school is an important part of the Dorset education offer and will provide much-needed places for pupils in the local area.
“We look forward to the positive impact this school will have on students, families, and the wider community.”
MP Hatton insisted he would “continue to bang the drum” for wider investment across Dorset’s schools and “this is just the start”.