New SEND resource bases opening in Wiltshire schools
Wiltshire Council invests in specialist education provision
Specialist educational provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is expanding in Wiltshire with new resource bases opening this month.
This expansion is part of a broader effort by the council to provide more tailored support within mainstream schools, allowing children to access quality education closer to home.
The initiative includes new bases at Kingsbury Green Academy in Calne and Noremarsh Junior School in Royal Wootton Bassett.
The resource bases aim to enhance learning experiences for pupils with additional needs, enabling them to participate in mainstream school life and forge connections within their school communities.
Over the years, Wiltshire Council has invested more than £10 million in creating and expanding resource bases across the county.
These bases cater to various needs, including speech and language, autism spectrum condition, and complex learning requirements.
It means Wiltshire will have 27 primary and six secondary resource bases.
Councillor Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for SEND, emphasised the importance of these initiatives.
"We want children and young people with SEND to have the right support, in the right place and at the right time," Hubbard said.
He added that the resource bases are designed to significantly increase and enhance inclusive education offerings and thanked the staff involved for their commitment.
Nicola Bull, Headteacher at Kingsbury Green Academy, shared her enthusiasm for the new development.
"We're incredibly proud to be developing a new secondary resource base at KGA," Bull said, noting the provision will support students with additional needs and foster a sense of inclusion.
Hilary MacMeekin, Headteacher at Noremarsh Junior School, expressed excitement about their new specialist base.
"We are incredibly excited and proud to announce the opening of our new Speech, Language and Communication Specialist Base this September," MacMeekin said.
These initiatives highlight Wiltshire Council's strategy to increase specialist education capacity while offering greater choices and support for children and families.