Extra places are on the way for students with additional needs as Kirklees will be getting a new school.
Last week, Kirklees Council confirmed that, in partnership with Delta Academies Trust, it has received government approval to open a new school for pupils with additional needs. The Alternative Provision Free School will cater for children and young people aged eight to 16, bringing additional, high-quality specialist places and helping to meet local demand.
Alternative Provision often refers to education for people who are unable to attend a mainstream or special school and are not educated at home. Pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties will be among those who benefit from a nurturing and inclusive school environment.
Support will be tailored to individual needs as the council, Delta Academies Trust and other partners join forces in creating a school that makes a lasting difference for children and families. Planning is now underway and it is expected that over 100 places will be available, with the school likely to be based in a suitable existing building.
Cllr Viv Kendrick, Cabinet member for Children, said: “It’s fantastic news that a new school will be opening in Kirklees so that pupils who need extra help and support can continue to thrive.
“Many pupils with additional needs make more sustained progress when they can access a specialist setting, and creating additional provision is vital to families, as well as pupils themselves.
“We are pleased to work alongside Delta Academies Trust, who will run the school when it opens. This is a great opportunity to, once again, be highly ambitious for vulnerable learners in Kirklees.
“Offering the best support to children and families is incredibly important to us. We are transforming these services and the new school is another huge boost for local education.”
Jo Pittard, Executive Principal of Delta Academies Trust, said: “Our vision is for students to feel safe, valued and part of a community, so that they develop a sense of self-belief, aspiration and pride in their ability and achievements. We look forward to working closely with young people, parents, staff and wider stakeholders to realise this vision.”
The new school will open with funding from the Department for Education. In addition to the Alternative Provision Free School, the council is making a multi-million-pound investment in excellent new facilities for Joseph Norton Academy and Woodley School and College – two local special schools.
The new Joseph Norton Academy will be situated in Deighton and will have 132 places for children and young people who have an Education Health and Care Plan with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. Currently, the academy is located at Scissett, offering 63 places. The rebuilding of the academy is anticipated to be finished in 2026.
Also set for 2026 completion is the Woodley School and College which caters for pupils up to the age of 19 with complex autism. The existing site will expand over time to 194 places, helping to meet the increased demand across the district.
Tomorrow (March 12), Kirklees Council’s Cabinet will decide on the proposed place increase at the Woodley School and College.
Get breaking news in Yorkshire straight to your phone
Get all the latest big and breaking Yorkshire news straight to your mobile via WhatsApp by clicking here.
If you don’t like our community, you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here.
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
YorkshireLive
