Council secures new free special school funding

The new school will have about 180 places for pupils with SEND

A council has secured government funding for a new free special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school.

The facility in Bournemouth, for about 180 pupils aged between three and 19 and who experience Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), is expected to be built within the next two years.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) said it was "just one part of a programme of improvement initiatives" it was planning in response to increasing demand for support for children and young people with SEND.

Cathi Hadley, BCP director of children’s services said the investment would help more children "receive a world-class education".

She said: “Confirmation that a new school will be built in our area means we are providing vital specialist spaces for those pupils whose needs cannot be met in mainstream education.”

Ms Hadley said the council knew "it has been difficult for families to navigate the SEND system", adding that it was "committed to achieving the best for all the children and young people in BCP who need extra support to fulfil their full potential".

“This investment will help more children with special educational needs and disabilities receive a world-class education," she said.

In April, the authority announced a new nursery assessment centre in Bournemouth to support children under five with SEND.

BCP said Dingley’s Promise "aims to give children the best possible start in life by providing specialist support tailored to each child to help with their onward journey".