Have your say on SEND plans across West Sussex
The county council wants to create 170 additional school places across West Sussex for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities
People can have their say on proposals by the county council to create 170 additional school places across West Sussex for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The proposals at three special schools across the county are part of West Sussex County Council’s ongoing commitment to ensuring children, young people and families with SEND are given the support they need to thrive.
The proposals include the use of satellite sites to expand the capacity at Oak Grove College in Worthing and Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School in Horsham. A public consultation is also now open on the council’s proposed expansion of St Anthony’s School in Chichester by using the site vacated by Jessie Younghusband Primary School following its move to a new location.
Councillor Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “The demand for specialist education in West Sussex is increasing and is much higher than the national average.
“We have plans in place to meet these challenges and we remain committed to helping children and young people with SEND to fulfil their potential in line with Our Council Plan priorities.
“Our education teams are working hard to increase SEND support in our mainstream schools. However, we know that some children need the specialised support that only a special school can provide. That is why we are also looking at options to increase the number of places available at some of our special schools by making best use of the resources available to us.
“Responses to the consultations will help us to understand the potential impact of these proposals and will inform the decisions on future provision at Oak Grove College, Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee School and St Anthony’s School.”