Funding boost for arts centre SEND school plans

The Omega Centre in Portsmouth would be transformed into a school for children with special educational needs and disabilities under proposals

Plans to turn an arts and education centre into a school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) could receive an extra £2.8m funding.

Originally built as a school in 1882, the Omega Centre, in Portsmouth, would return to its original use with the latest funding boost.

The new school would provide 76 places for secondary and post-16 students for children with SEND.

Portsmouth City Council leader Steve Pitt said it was "vital" the authority provide the "environment they need to thrive".

The additional money is part of the council's latest budget plans, due to be reviewed for final approval this month.

If approved, it would bring the total investment in the project to £7.5m, allowing for a 25% increase in capacity at the school.

The budget proposals also include more than £1.5m for essential maintenance across the city's schools, ensuring facilities remain fit for purpose.

The proposals form part of the council's capital budget, which funds major one-off projects and statutory improvements - it cannot be used to finance continuing council services.

Mr Pitt said: "These proposals continue our ongoing investment in Portsmouth schools to ensure we can give the city's children the best education possible.

"There is a growing number of children in the city with special educational needs, and it's vital we give them the environment they need to thrive.

"I'm very pleased we've been able to allocate funding specifically for creating those places in the city."