Have your say on changes to special schools and SEND provision in Central Bedfordshire

From Wednesday 3rd February 2021, you will be able to have your say on changes to Central Bedfordshire’s four special schools and additional places for special education needs and disabilities (SEND) within mainstream schools, known as additional resource provision.

This is part of the Schools for the Future programme, which is a long-term plan to raise education standards and make sure Central Bedfordshire has the right schools, in the right places, delivering the best education.

The proposals include increasing places from around 700 to 950 across the Special Schools – The Chiltern School, Ivel Valley School, Oak Bank School and Weatherfield Academy. These schools would also relocate or expand between 2023 and 2026.

For SEND places in mainstream schools, the proposals are to create a further 92 places between 2023 and 2025, with a greater geographical distribution across Central Bedfordshire. This would be in line with future need in Dunstable and Houghton Regis; Harlington; Sandy; Shefford and Stotfold; Biggleswade; and Leighton-Linslade.

In mainstream schools, the aim is to also include multi-use/nurture spaces, where there is space to do so.

The consultation will run for 13 weeks until Wednesday 5th May 2021.

Central Bedfordshire Council has developed these proposals with the headteachers of the schools concerned and in collaboration with SNAP Parent Carer Forum.

To find out more on how to have you say, click here.