Sheffield primary schools handed special educational needs funding

Woodlands Primary School in Gleadless will receive just over £360,000 to fund 20 special educational needs places

An academy trust will receive more than £500,000 to create primary places for pupils with special educational needs.

Sheffield City Council's finance committee agreed two capital grants would go to Mercia Learning Trust.

Woodlands Primary School on Norton Avenue in Gleadless will receive just over £360,000 to fund 20 places, with Nether Edge Primary on Glen Road given almost £137,000 for up to 15 places.

The places will be for pupils aged four to 11 with special educational needs.

The council announced last week the two schools would offer additional places for primary pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from September.

It has forecast demand for another 300 SEND places over the next five years.

The authority said the additional places would mean more children would be able to attend a school near their homes which would help it cut the cost of transport.