Special needs school expansion set to be approved

The Heltwate School in north Bretton remains oversubscribed every year, the council said

Works to expand a school for pupils with special educational needs have been recommended by planning officers for a council to approve.

Heltwate School in Peterborough caters for 210 pupils aged four to 19 who have severe learning difficulties, autism and other emotional and physical needs.

The proposal will be put to Peterborough City Council's cabinet on 2 October and if authorised would provide 16 additional spaces at the school.

The works would include building two additional classrooms, a sensory room, a gym area, two "calm" rooms and a hygiene suite and would be completed by autumn 2026.

Enhanced facilities

Peterborough City Council said in a report last year that demand for education, health and care plans (EHCP) had increased "significantly", with 2,500 children in the city having one.

The report also highlighted the city was operating at a deficit in relation to specialist school placements available versus the growing demand.

The authority said education officers were working with schools across the sector to address the issue.

Katy Cole, a Labour councillor and cabinet member for children's services, said: "I am delighted that this much-needed extension is set to be agreed and look forward to seeing this project completed.

"The expansion will benefit pupils and staff at Heltwate Special School for years to come, enabling the school to take on more pupils and enhance their facilities.

"By expanding the school, we are fulfilling our statutory duty to provide school places for every child in Peterborough.

"As one of the fastest growing cities in the country, demand for school places continues to rise, which is why our education team closely monitors the situation and takes appropriate steps such as expansion projects."

In April, plans to build a school for up to 25 pupils with special educational needs and disabilities aged seven to 18 in Conquest Drove, Farcet, near Peterborough were rejected by the authority due to "poor accessibility".