Medina House School Could Expand To Meet Growing SEND Demand

Medina House School in Newport could be expanded by 36 places to meet increasing demand for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision on the Isle of Wight.

County Hall officers are recommending the children’s services, education and skills committee approve the publication of public notices for the expansion, which would take the school from 168 to 204 places.

A five-week consultation is set to begin on 8 May if the proposal goes ahead.

Despite a declining birth rate, the Island has seen a rise in the number of children needing SEND support, with 6.5% of the school population holding an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

EHCPs provide tailored educational, health, and social support for children and young people up to age 25.

The expansion would use part of the former Old Barton Primary School site and requires around £1.5m in capital funding through the high needs capital allocation.

Revenue costs are estimated at just over £1m for the 36 extra places, equivalent to £29,579 per child once full.

The school caters primarily for primary-aged pupils with specific learning difficulties, and discussions with staff and governors have already taken place to agree the additional places.

The committee is due to meet at 5pm on Thursday, 5 March, to consider the proposal.