A multimillion pound cash injection could boost special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provisions on the Isle of Wight.
The building of a new, SEND free school on the Island, announced earlier in the week, is expected to form part of a £25 million government package.
It will be built next to Carisbrooke College and would teach 75 pupils with autism or social and emotional mental health issues.
Speaking at the authority’s education scrutiny committee, Brian Pope, the Isle of Wight Council’s assistant education director, said following the school announcement, he was quietly optimistic the rest of the funding would follow.
The money is part of the council’s SEND strategy and forms part of a council bid to government to help reduce the deficit currently caused by school funding.
If successful, money will go towards a new independence hub for pupils preparing for adulthood, adding capacity and support in schools and a new primary school behaviour service which could hopefully lead to fewer exclusions.
Proposals had been brought forward, Mr Pope revealed, to improve early intervention, create more special needs places in schools and improve outcomes for SEND pupils which would be worth £25 million.
In line with a government strategy, he said, the investment will support mainstream schools to ensure it is a place where SEND pupils can thrive and look at how they can upskill teachers and learning support assistants.
It would also reduce the number of expensive school places in the independent sector which cost the authority tens of thousands of pounds a year, Mr Pope said.
Proposals include:
- SEN support toolkits
- SEN coordinator networks and support lines
- Educational psychology
- Reducing exclusions and suspension
- Strengthening supported internships and apprenticeships
- Supporting the employability hub
Steve Crocker, the director of children’s services told the committee it is a step in the right direction but not the full journey, as they waited the publication of government strategies which could make the education system more inclusive.
Maritime Units Heading For Isle Of Wight Armed Forces Day
Funding Boost For Council Chairman's Chosen Charity
Medina Way Works In Place This Sunday
Islander Georgie To Star On BBC1's Great British Sewing Bee
Labour's West Wight Candidate Outlines Island Plan
Scam Warnings Issued For Isle Of Wight
Islanders Invited To Take Part In Charity Fire Walk For St Catherine’s
New Company To Bid For Digital Radio Licence On The Isle Of Wight
Police Respond To Anti-Social Behaviour Involving Electric Motorbikes In Puckpool
New Records Set Following ‘Extraordinary’ Walk The Wight
Appeal Launched Following Ryde Cashpoint Theft
Islanders Urged To Make Sure They're 'Emergency Ready'
Cast Your Vote For New Sea Defence Scheme To Win People's Choice Award
Operation Sceptre - A Number Of Surrender Bins Across Isle Of Wight
Man Jailed For Ryde Burglary And Knife Offences
Top Marks For Gurnard Primary Playground Project
Marathon Runners Raising Funds For Isle Of Wight Youth Trust As Part Of Mental Health Awareness Week
Body Of Man In 40s Discovered Following Brighstone Fire
Food And Fuel Support Extended For Island Families In Need
Hovertravel Releases More Than 60 Late Flights For July And August
