Dudley Council consult on special educational needs school changes
Council bosses have unveiled plans to create a specialist base for children with special educational needs at a Dudley primary school.
The unit at Hawbush Primary School, in Brierley Hill, will cater for up to eight children with social, emotional and mental health needs.
It has been in operation at the school on a temporary basis since January, but Dudley Council now want to make the move permanent.
The authority is also proposing to implement post-16 education at Halesbury School, in Halesowen. Plans could see four children aged 16 and over with autism join the roll at the special school from September, with numbers increasing in future years if it proves successful.
The two new proposals are now out to consultation with parents, staff and residents living nearby able to have their say.
The changes are part of Dudley Council's SEND improvement programme, a commitment to improve the lives of children with special educational needs and disabilities in the borough.
Councillor Ruth Buttery, Dudley Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "As part of our new wider inclusion strategy, Dudley Council is committed to improving outcomes for all pupils.
"We have seen a sustained increase in the borough in recent years in the need for specialist educational provision for young people with special educational needs.
"These proposals will allow pupils to be taught in dedicated units by specialist staff and, in the case of Hawbush, allow opportunities to integrate into mainstream classes where appropriate.
"Both schools have extensive experience in meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs.
"It would prevent pupils from having to travel long distances to get to schools outside the borough, which is what is happening in some cases currently."
People can view the full proposals and have their say on Hawbush by visiting www.dudley.gov.uk/council-community/get-involved/hawbush-primary-school-consulation. Or by visiting www.dudley.gov.uk/council-community/get-involved/halesbury-school-consulation for the Halesbury plans.
Responses for the consultation need to be received by April 29.
