Issue - meetings

In line with the requirements of statutory guidance Making significant changes to maintained schools, the purpose of this report is to set out the proposal to establish a new Resourced Provision at Somerford Primary School. The proposal forms part of the council’s work to provide access to sufficient, specialist school places and is one a number of projects that will provide local places for local children in line with our statutory responsibilities to strengthen and expand high?quality SEND provision to meet growing demand.

The proposal aims to address increasing pressure on school places resulting from the rising number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). A lack of sufficient local capacity has led to a higher number of placements in independent and non?maintained special schools (INMSS).

By expanding provision within Somerford Primary School, the council seeks to build on the strengths of local settings and enable more children and young people to access appropriate education closer to home. Increasing local capacity in Christchurch will reduce reliance on costly out?of?area placements, which typically involve higher fees and significant transport costs. This approach not only supports better outcomes for pupils by allowing them to remain within their communities but also delivers long?term financial efficiencies for the Council.