SEND school proposed for theme park site

Fifty places could be provided by the proposed SEND school within Gulliver's Valley complex

A building at Gulliver's Valley theme park, near Sheffield, could be turned into a school for up to 50 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Five Rivers Child Care Ltd has applied to change the building's use from resort services and storage to a school, creating around 40 jobs and meeting local demand for SEND places, it said.

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has a waiting list for SEND places, with many local children sent to schools outside the area, causing disruption and additional costs for families and the council.

The proposed River Valley School would support children aged six to 18 for an initial period of seven years.

The proposed school would occupy Unit D - a large warehouse-style building within the theme park complex off Mansfield Road.

The school would be Ofsted-regulated and, if approved, would create about 40 jobs for teachers, support workers, caretakers and administrative staff, the application stated.

Gulliver's Valley would retain a small storage area within the unit for use during busy holiday periods, while the rest of the space would be adapted to form classrooms and spaces for staff training, therapy and family support.

Unit D is currently used for storage and resort services

Five Rivers, which operates eight similar schools, said pupils would benefit from outdoor therapy, resources at the nearby Skills Street education centre and attractions at Gulliver's Valley.

The location, on the former Pithouse West site - close to the M1 and A57, has been chosen to provide easy access for staff and students who cannot travel easily by public transport, the application stated.

A plan to promote more sustainable travel options has also been developed, along with proposals for more pedestrian crossings, footpaths, a drop-off area, electric vehicle charging points, disabled parking spaces, and cycle storage.

Residents and interested parties are able to comment on the planning application on the council's website until 17 June, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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