Bid To Increase Places At Special School Moves Forward As Part Of Expansion Plans

A proposal to increase places at an Isle of Wight special school will move forward following a cabinet decision yesterday evening (Thursday).

County Hall’s ruling executive unanimously agreed to issue public notices for proposals to expand Island SEND provision and begin a consultation on the plans, due to start on May 2.

The proposed expansion includes increasing places at St George’s School from 208 to 228 places, with 40 of those provided at a satellite site in East Cowes.

At yesterday’s meeting, cabinet member Cllr Paul Fuller said:

“When I rejoined the local authority back in 2009, I remember parents really really upset, angry because there was not sufficient autism provision on the Island.

“I think in that time we’ve learnt a great deal more…although there is the provision currently, to be able to widen that provision reflects what is actually happening out there.”

Fellow cabinet colleague Cllr Debbie Andre said she was “delighted” to see the proposals put forward and their targeting of “specific areas” within SEND.

At Hunnyhill Primary School, the council is proposing to expand Social, Emotional and Mental Health resourced provision from eight to 12 places.

Resourced provision for autistic children and/or those with Complex Learning needs is proposed to expand from eight to 12 places at Brading CE Primary School.

There are also plans to increase resourced provision for autistic children at The Bay CE Primary School (secondary site) from 15 to 20 places.

At the Island Learning Centre, which is to become the Lionheart School, the council is proposing to expand SEND places from 60 to 120, with 60 complex high anxiety mental health places provided at the Cowes Primary School site, subject to its August 31 closure.

Additionally, a cabinet report presented yesterday proposes a new 12 place primary resourced provision at Brighstone CE Primary School for autistic children and/or children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs.

Cabinet member for children’s services and education Claire Critchison said the proposed expansion would “go some way” to meet the “changing requirements” of the Island’s education system.