Plans To Turn Empty Former School into SEND satellite site go one step further

Plans to turn an empty former primary school into a satellite site for an Isle of Wight special school went one step further yesterday evening.

The Alliance administration agreed to publish public notices for an increase in SEND provision across the Island.

The plans include increasing places at Medina House School from 138 places to 168, with 30 places being provided at the site of the former Chillerton and Rookley Primary School.

At yesterday’s cabinet meeting, members voted unanimously to go ahead with a consultation on expanding Isle of Wight SEND provision, which will begin on May 2.

It is hoped the plans will take effect from September, the start of the next academic year.

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.