Market Weighton Secondary School expands specialist SEND provision
The school now has 40 commissioned pupil places
The Market Weighton Secondary School has opened this academic year with additional specialist places for children with SEND.
The school now has 40 commissioned pupil places within their Enhanced Resource Provision (ERP), for children with autism and cognition and learning needs. The school was previously commissioned for 25 ERP places, but due to demand had an intake of 32 pupils over the previous two years.
Richard Harrison, The Market Weighton School Headteacher, said:
“The number of requests for specialist places at our school has grown year on year. I am pleased that we can now offer more children the support they need. Increasing the number of places has also allowed us to expand our SEND and inclusion offer across the entire school – further upskilling teaching and support staff, recruiting dedicated staff and resourcing the provision, and the school, appropriately and effectively.”
The secondary school has been recognised for its outstanding inclusive practice, being awarded the Most Inclusive Practice across a school in the National SEND awards last year.
Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education said:
“Market Weighton is a fantastic example of a school where inclusivity is at the heart of the whole school community, and children are thriving in this environment.
“We know we need more specialist pupil places attached to mainstream schools across the East Riding, and this is what we are working to do. Over the last few years six new ERPs have been created at East Riding schools, and over 100 additional places. However, this is set against significant funding challenges – with East Riding being the lowest funded for SEND provision, receiving £18million less than the average local authority. I will continue to lobby government for reform and increased investment into SEND provision locally and nationally.”