Extra support for vulnerable pupils officially opened in Kirklees
Superb new facilities to support children with additional needs have been officially opened in Kirklees.
School leaders and representatives from Kirklees Council unveiled ‘The Lighthouse’ – an inclusive, nurturing space at New Mill Junior School, near Holmfirth, that will cater for pupils with complex communication and interaction needs.
Known as an Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP), this type of specialist environment, already available in some other schools in Kirklees, provides tailored support for learning, behaviour and social and emotional needs.
Features at The Lighthouse, which will accommodate up to nine pupils, include a sensory room, breakout spaces for children who need some quiet time and investment in assistive technology to enhance communication and learning. This engaging classroom, combined with the expertise of highly skilled teaching staff, will support pupils on their learning journey.
Funded by the council and developed in partnership with the school and Learning Accord Multi Academy Trust, the ARP will enable children to benefit from targeted support, while remaining fully included in the mainstream school community.
Guests at the opening event saw first-hand how the spaces will support growth, confidence, independence and learning. Families and pupils are visiting The Lighthouse to help with a smooth transition into the new facility.
Families whose children attend ARPs in other Kirklees schools have praised the lasting difference these specialised environments are making. Children flourish from daily play, structured routines and joyful learning in an environment tailored to suit their needs. Families also value the strong bonds between pupils, teachers and support staff, with this combination of care and support helping children to reach their full potential.
Councillor Jane Rylah, Cabinet Member for Education said:
“It’s an absolute pleasure to see how we are supporting vulnerable pupils through bespoke environments, excellent facilities and high-quality teaching.
“The opening of this latest ARP in Kirklees is extremely welcome and is great news for families whose children may benefit from this specialist support.
“The Lighthouse is a very welcoming space where children will thrive – not just from the extra support they’ll receive, but from remaining a valued part of a mainstream school community. They’ll be learning, playing and growing together.”
Councillor Viv Kendrick, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, added:
“Our aspirations for children and young people with SEND are no different to those we hold for all children in Kirklees – to have the best start in life.
“Investment in Additionally Resourced Provisions, like this one, plays a vital role in supporting local families whose children could go to mainstream school if they had access to appropriate additional support. These inclusive and engaging spaces help vulnerable children feel safer and calmer, allowing them to focus on their learning and achieve better long-term outcomes.
“There is a growing demand for SEND support nationally. We continue to work closely with families, schools and other partners to understand and respond to local need.”
Reverend Mrs Evelyne Barrow, Executive Headteacher New Mill Schools, commented:
“We are very excited to see the fulfilment of our dream to provide high quality provision for SEND pupils in our locality.”
Allison Doherty, Teacher in Charge New Mill ARPs, added:
“As a team, we look forward to welcoming pupils to the provision and seeing them thrive.”
The opening of this facility helps to increase local provision and address the growing number of pupils with SEND.
Investment in SEND
The creation of these extra spaces forms part of significant investment in the SEND offer in Kirklees, as outlined in the council’s SEND Big Plan. This includes ambitious plans currently underway to rebuild and relocate two special schools – Woodley School and College and Joseph Norton Academy.
The Big Plan can be found on the Local Offer website.
Our Kirklees Futures
Breaking down barriers and supporting inclusivity are key to Our Kirklees Futures, the long-term vision for learning across the district.