Former library plan for young persons' SEND services

A vacant library building could be repurposed into a learning centre for adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The old Wokingham library on Denmark Street closed in September 2022 after the library moved to a new location at Carnival Place.

Plans released by Wokingham Borough Council had shown it could be reopened as a post-16 SEND hub for up to 40 young people by September 2026.

The council said it would help address the "immediate and pressing need" for post-16 provision, and said the number of children with specialist needs was on the rise.

Currently, there are 393 people aged 16-25 who have an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) in the borough.

The council said this was expected to rise by 22% by 2028.

Because of limited provision within the borough, the council, which overspent by £1.83m last financial year, currently has to spend money to send students to neighbouring areas.

Providing more spaces within Wokingham would save the council about £1m a year, an executive report said.

The new centre would support young adults with autism, moderate learning difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs.

Learners could receive core lessons in English and Maths as well as relevant vocational training and independent living skills.

Supported internships with local employers would be available, with the aim of transitioning to apprenticeships or full-time employment, encouraging economic independence.

Executive member for children’s services, Prue Bray, said: "Using the old library means that it is ideally placed for transport links and for students to have access to a range of different employers, while at the same time maintaining the site for community use."

A decision on the plan is due to be made at a council meeting on 28 November.

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