Kirklees Together

Plans to provide extra support to vulnerable children and young people in Kirklees have reached an exciting new stage.

Kirklees Cabinet members have approved around £ 1.4 million to create excellent new school facilities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Permission was given earlier this year to create ‘Additionally Resourced Provisions’ at a number of local schools. These are small, nurturing environments that give specialist support to pupils with additional needs.

Cabinet has now agreed to funding a range of works that can take place, including remodeling classrooms, creating new facilities, and adapting outside spaces to meet children’s needs.

In addition, the council is investing in extra special school places, delivered by existing special schools but located on a different site – for example in part of a mainstream school. These are called ‘Satellite Provisions’.

The total package is part of our work to transform SEND services, increase the number of specialist places for pupils who need them and help all children and young people have the best start in life.

Cllr Carole Pattison, Cabinet member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, said:

“The scale of these plans shows that we are hugely ambitious for all pupils in Kirklees, including those with additional needs.

“The demand for SEND provision is growing all around the country. We want local children to attend local schools wherever possible, so we are creating new places and ensuring they boast high-quality facilities.

“Our SEND transformation targets the things which will make the biggest difference for families and also aims for every individual to fulfil their potential.

“We have worked closely with all the schools involved in our plans and we thank them for everything they are doing. Together, we are achieving better outcomes and improving many lives.”

There will be major investment for seven Kirklees schools.

Netherhall St James CE (VC) Infant and Nursery School: An Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) had already been agreed with up to 12 places for pupils with complex communication and interaction needs. Cabinet have approved funding for the remodelling of classrooms and toilets, plus the creation of a sensory space.

Netherhall Learning Campus High School: An ARP had already been agreed for up to 20 young people with complex communication and interaction needs. Work is needed on refurbishments and outside spaces.

Old Bank Academy: An ARP was already approved for up to 16 children with cognition and learning needs. Work is needed on a range of internal and external improvements.

Beaumont Primary Academy: An ARP was already approved for up to 12 children with social, emotional and mental health needs. This will require internal and external refurbishments.

Carlinghow Academy: An ARP was already approved for up to 12 pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. The school requires classroom refurbishments and a new kitchen area.

Southgate Special School: A Satellite Provision will be created. This will cater for up to 20 Southgate pupils with complex needs and will be based at Newsome Academy. To enable this, a range of works are needed at Newsome.

Woodley School and College: There will be a post-16 Satellite Provision with up to 16 vocational places for young people with autism. This will be based in a council-owned building in Huddersfield town centre and include a workshop, retail shop and classroom for Woodley pupils.

Breaking down barriers and providing inclusive environments, where learners of all backgrounds can learn and grow side by side, is key to Our Kirklees Futures – our long-term vision for learning across the district.

Our Kirklees Futures

Our Kirklees Futures brings together the full range of education providers, plus wider partners, with the shared aim that learners of all ages will reach their full potential and be equipped with vital skills for life.

To find out more, please visit the Our Kirklees Futures web page.