New school places are to be created for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) thanks to a purpose built educational facility.
Warrington is to get 56 new school places for children and young people from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4 with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
The new special free school is to be closely located to Warrington’s current special schools. The Department for Education will be responsible for the building of the school which is due to be completed in 2022. Consultations with the neighbouring community will begin in the autumn.
It is one of six special free schools, which have been approved to open in the north west, following the government announcement that new school places are to be created for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in 35 schools across England. These special free schools will provide tailored support and specialist equipment for children with SEND.
The Sovereign Trust will be working in partnership with the council and parents/carers to develop this exciting new provision. The Sovereign Trust already has three special schools each offering bespoke education for groups of children with different needs.
Cllr Matt Smith, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said “This is a fantastic outcome for Warrington and we look forward to working with The Sovereign Trust to help enhance and extend the specialist provision we have on offer locally to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities”.
Bev Owens, CEO of The Sovereign Trust said “We are delighted to have been successful in our application to work with Warrington Borough Council and are looking forward to forging close relationships with the community.
“The Sovereign Trust is at the very forefront of special needs education. We are a family of schools that places children at the core of all we do. We look forward to sharing our expertise and developing an excellent offer for children, young people and families in Warrington”.
Any parents / carers who would like more information about the school or a discussion about a possible school place should contact the EHCP Assessment Manager, EHCmessages@warrington.gov.uk.
For more information about The Sovereign Trust, visit thesovereigntrust.uk
