SEND school to expand to meet growing demand

Plans have been approved to create 45 additional places at a school for pupils with special educational needs (SEND) to meet growing demand, a council has announced.

Springwater School in Starbeck, Harrogate, currently caters to 112 SEND students aged between two and 19.

A proposal to expand the school from September next year and redevelop two buildings was approved by North Yorkshire Council on Tuesday.

Executive member for education, learning and skills, councillor Annabel Wilkinson, said the additional SEND school provision was "much-needed and extremely welcome".

According to council figures, the number of children in North Yorkshire with education health and care plans (EHCPs) has increased by 95% since 2018, up from 2,606 to 5,100.

While the majority of children have their needs met in their local mainstream school, the council said it recognised the demand for specialist settings was increasing.

Ms Wilkinson said: “The expansion of Springwater School will help manage some of the school place pressures generated by the increase in the number of EHCPs funded by the local authority.

"It will also provide wider benefits in educating children closer to their local communities and reducing travel time and costs.”

The council said the expansion approval came following a five-week consultation which had been met with mostly positive responses.

Under the plans, two buildings next to the school will now be redeveloped into classrooms, changing facilities and a kitchen.

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