SEND inclusion hub planned for Dorchester

It could be built on the site of the town's Learning Centre

Author: Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy ReporterPublished 21st Feb 2025

A Special Educational Needs ‘inclusion hub’ is planned for the Monkton Park site on the southern edge of Dorchester.

The site is home to the Dorchester Learning Centre, which describes itself as “providing the very best in education and support for all children who (for a variety of reasons) find themselves outside of mainstream school education.”

The timber-clad building will be modular, constructed off-site, and then put together at Monkton Park to minimise disruption to pupils and staff.

Part of the proposal include an outside secure outside space with additional fencing.

Plans for the building show four classrooms, two at either end; breakout rooms, kitchen and staff areas, storage and a sensory room.

The planning proposal says the building will be used by “complex needs pupils” and include design features for those with a disability.

Public comments can be given to Dorset Council until mid-March.

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