Council plans special school for town

Councillor Javeria Hussain said the new special school would provide children with "the right support and every opportunity to thrive in an environment where their wellbeing is prioritised"

A council has announced plans to build its first dedicated school for pupils aged nine to 16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) special needs.

Luton Council said children and young people with SEMH special needs could face significant challenges in regulating their emotions and behaviour.

Currently these pupils often have to attend high-cost specialist placements at schools and independent settings outside Luton.

Subject to planning approval, the new school would be built on a disused part of playing fields at the back of William Austin Junior and Infant School and would feature a sports hall, five-a-side pitch and multi-use games area.

Two public consultation events are planned at William Austin Junior and Infant School on 8 and 13 February

The council said in the past five years there had been a 100% increase in education, health and care plans (EHCPs) for pupils with SEMH special needs.

It said they may also struggle to engage with learning and cope in classrooms without additional strategies and interventions, and that a dedicated school in the town was now required.

The council said the school would be built in two phases, with the first phase accommodating 60 pupils in autumn 2027, and the second increasing the total capacity to 112.

Labour councillor Javeria Hussain, portfolio holder for education, said: "As part of our ambition for Luton to become a child-friendly town we are committed to providing high-quality education for all children and ensure that we meet the full range of their needs, including specialist provision in the town for children with social, emotional and mental health needs."

A planning application would be submitted before Easter, the authority said.