School expands with new base for SEND pupils

A new satellite school for pupils with special needs will open in Barnsley (stock image)

A Barnsley primary is set to open a new satellite school for pupils with special needs.

The Mill Academy in Worsbrough will offer specialist support within a mainstream school setting for 45 pupils who are on the autism spectrum and have communication needs.

Barnsley Council said the SEND system was under "severe strain with unsustainable financial pressures and rising demand".

The council said putting children in special schools, which are independent and not connected to the council, could generally cost between £50-£70,000 per pupil per year, with some exceeding £250,000.

A report to the council's Cabinet said: "Over the last decade, the number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) nationally has increased significantly, with a 140% increase since 2015.

"Barnsley is now maintaining over 3,200 EHCPs and this reflects the national growth. Many areas lack enough special school places, leading to increased reliance on independent special schools."

There are 250 Barnsley children in schools out of the borough or independent schools causing a £17m impact on council finances.

The Mill site should be completed by December.

Special schools 'at capacity'

Barnsley and Sheffield councils had planned to open a joint special school this autumn but the Department for Education paused the plans while the government reviewed the SEND system.

The school, which would have 100 places, will not now open until at least 2028 forcing Barnsley Council to look at other alternatives.

Officers are also working with local academies to identify empty and under-occupied school buildings and council-owned land or assets that could be suitable for refurbishment and possible satellite sites.

The report added: "Barnsley faces increasing demand for specialist provision, particularly for pupils with autism, mental health needs, and speech and language needs. The existing local provision is at capacity, leading to rising out-of-area placements and increased transport costs.

"As of September 2025, there were 100 children and young people awaiting a specialist school placement in Barnsley. Of these, 65 are waiting for specialist provision for autism and speech and language, with a higher demand for these places in the primary phase.

"Looking ahead, the number of children with SEND is expected to continue to increase, The number of EHCPs is expected to increase to 3,400 by the end of the year, placing even greater demand for specialist provision within the borough."

Councillors are set to agree the plans at a meeting on 15 October.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North