Concern over new SEND school location

An MP has raised concerns about the proposed location for a new special needs school.

Earlier this month, Westmorland and Furness Council received confirmation from government that its bid for a school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) had been successful.

The authority wants to locate it within the Eden area to cater for about 140 children.

But the MP for Barrow and Furness, Simon Fell, questioned how siting the school in Eden would benefit the whole area.

In a letter to the council's chief executive Sam Plum, Mr Fell said he was "delighted" with the announcement to improve SEND provision and rectify the "chronic lack" of places.

The Conservative MP added: "I am however concerned at the council’s chosen location for the new school in the Eden area.

"As you are aware from my ongoing correspondence with you regarding SEND education in Barrow and Furness there are many families in need of schools closer to home.

"Constituents tell me that it is often the case that the school that caters towards their child’s specific needs is full, meaning that the child goes to another specialist school or a mainstream school which may not be able to fully support their child’s needs.”

Mr Fell also asked what measures the council would be taking to ensure "desperately" needed SEND provision in Barrow and Furness.

In a written response, the chief executive of the Lib Dem-led council said there was not a special school in Eden, which meant families in the area could not access provision close to home.

She added increasing specialist provision would benefit the entire area.

"With regards to Barrow, the council have invested in Channelside Alternative Provision which will be opening in January 2025 and will increase specialist places within the Barrow area."

The response said that, as part of the SEND sufficiency strategy which is in development, the council was continuing to review specialist places in Barrow.

“The plans for the new Special School have not yet been finalised and everyone with an interest in the provision for Westmorland and Furness will have an opportunity in the coming months to provide their feedback on the proposals as we bring them forward,” the letter adds.

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