New SEND unit approved for primary school

A new specialist unit for autistic children will be built at a primary school after planning permission was approved.

The facility at Radstock Primary School in Lower Earley, Berkshire, for children aged four to 11, will have three classrooms, two sensory rooms and two meeting rooms.

It forms a key part of Wokingham Borough Council's enhancement of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision within the borough.

As part of the government's Safety Valve scheme, the authority must reduce its overspend on SEND in return for two specialist schools and two specialist units, within existing schools.

The unit will serve 21 children with specialist needs and will eventually have 10 members of staff.

It will take three pupils per year, reaching full capacity by 2028.

Six children with SEND were already placed at Radstock in September.

Seven local residents raised various issues with the plans and the impact it would have on neighbouring properties.

A town councillor warned the expansion of the school could worsen parking in the area.

Mike Smith, of Earley Town Council, said it had "no objection" to the building but had some issues with parking provision.

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