Care home could be turned into SEND school

A new school for children with complex special educational needs (SEND) could be opened in a disused care home.

If the £6.1million proposal is approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council, Charlton House in Keynsham will become a school for young people aged 11 to 17.

Councillor Paul May said: “This proposal would see the life outcomes for young people, and their families, much improved with the opportunity of local education with a residential element for those in care."

Neighbouring Hawthorn Court will continue to be housing for the elderly.

Mr May added: “Opening our own provision also provides an opportunity to keep placement costs at a much lower rate than currently being charged by the independent sector and therefore would bring considerable savings, including a reduction in transport costs, to the council.”

According to a report prepared for councillors, the proposed school would accommodate 12 residential places and an additional 18 day places, totalling 30 placements.

Currently the average cost of an out-of-county day placement at an Independent Special school stands at £96k.  

The cost of residential placements currently stands at £318k.

This project would result in estimated savings to the council of £2,171,075 in education and transport and £2,043,859 for residential placements per annum.

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