School could create extra special needs places

Eight additional places for children with special needs could be created at Morda Primary School

Extra places for children with special educational needs and disabilities could be created at a Shropshire school, in an attempt to meet growing demand.

A consultation has been launched on plans to take on eight additional pupils at Morda Primary School near Oswestry from September.

The places would be reserved for children with developmental difficulties of a significant to severe nature, including those on the autism spectrum, Shropshire Council said.

The youngsters would be taught in mainstream classes but with access to specialist support.

A consultation document on the Shropshire Council website said the authority was developing a range of provision across the county.

The council said the scheme was part of a plan to reduce the number of pupils being sent to specialist schools outside Shropshire.

“Long-term value for money will be achieved by pupils having their needs met within appropriate mainstream provision with specialist support rather than in special school provision,” the document added.

The authority wants to free special school places for pupils with the highest level of needs and keep others within the county.

The consultation on the proposal is scheduled to run until 16 July.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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