Walsall school opens new satellite site creating 40 extra places for SEN kids
A Walsall special school has opened a new satellite site in Darlaston providing over 40 spaces for children with severe learning disabilities and complex Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).
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Old Hall School on Bentley Lane, Walsall, opened its new site, called The Nest, inside the former Rowley Robins nursery on February 25.
The Nest is home to four purpose-built classrooms, two sensory rooms, a dedicated wellbeing room, outdoor spaces for each class, as well as playgrounds and a forest school area.
In March 2024, Walsall Council cabinet members approved £18.6 million of funding to create more special educational needs school places in the borough.
It is estimated that 1985 pupils with EHC plans will require specialist school places in Walsall by the 2027/28 academic year.
At the time of the report, there were 1121 specialist school places in the borough, indicating a shortfall of up to 740 places.
Councillor Pardeep Kaur, portfolio holder for education and skills at Walsall Council, said: “Demand for special school places is rising.
“In Walsall, we want to provide places locally for our children and families, so it’s brilliant to hear about The Nest’s development.
“Old Hall School is already providing an amazing education to its pupils, and only recently, have been graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in every single available category.
“The Nest will build upon this amazing work and will holistically support children’s education around their specific needs, in order for them to thrive and be happy.”
Matt Ball, headteacher at Old Hall School, said: “We are delighted to extend our specialist support to even more children, ensuring they have the best foundation for their education in a setting which is tailored to their needs.
“We have always said we want to do as much as we can for Walsall families, and this is another successful step in that process.”
Suzanne Davies, head of school at Old Hall School and The Nest, added: “We have created an environment that mirrors the main site, where children flourish, feel safe, and develop at their own pace.”
Old Hall School on Bentley Lane opened its new site, called The Nest, inside the former Rowley Robins nursery on February 25.
The Nest is home to four purpose-built classrooms, two sensory rooms, a dedicated wellbeing room, outdoor spaces for each class, as well as playgrounds and a forest school area.
In March 2024, Walsall Council cabinet members approved £18.6 million of funding to create more special educational needs school places in the borough.
It is estimated that 1985 pupils with EHC plans will require specialist school places in Walsall by the 2027/28 academic year.
At the time of the report, there were 1121 specialist school places in the borough, indicating a shortfall of up to 740 places.
Councillor Pardeep Kaur, portfolio holder for education and skills at Walsall Council, said: “Demand for special school places is rising.
“In Walsall, we want to provide places locally for our children and families, so it’s brilliant to hear about The Nest’s development.
“Old Hall School is already providing an amazing education to its pupils, and only recently, has been graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in every single available category.
“The Nest will build upon this amazing work and will holistically support children’s education around their specific needs, in order for them to thrive and be happy.”
Matt Ball, headteacher at Old Hall School, said: “We are delighted to extend our specialist support to even more children, ensuring they have the best foundation for their education in a setting which is tailored to their needs.
“We have always said we want to do as much as we can for Walsall families, and this is another successful step in that process.”
Suzanne Davies, head of school at Old Hall School and The Nest, added: “We have created an environment that mirrors the main site, where children flourish, feel safe, and develop at their own pace.”
