Special school move placed in county’s plans
CONTROVERSIAL proposals to move a Hyndburn specialist school out of the borough have been included in a new Lancashire County Council (LCC) consultation.
The consultation opened this week, asking for views about school provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Among the suggestions is for Broadfield Specialist School in Oswaldtwistle to be moved to the former Hameldon Community College site in Burnley, a proposal we reported on last November.
Hundreds of people joined the Facebook groups ‘Save Broadfield Specialist School’ and ‘Speak Up For The Kids Of Broadfield School’ opposing the plans.
A separate consultation will be carried out but LCC education chiefs say the move will provide better specialist teaching spaces and 60 new secondary places for children with a wide range of SEND needs.
Lancashire County Coun Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member schools, said: “It’s absolutely vital we have the best possible provision in place to support children and young people to achieve their full potential in education, learning and future employment.
“We’ve put together a proposed strategy to ensure the best possible support is provided over the next five years.
“The Children and Families Act 2014 sets out that children and young people with SEND should be taught in mainstream schools and colleges within their community where possible. This is why we’ve set out details of how we will improve provision at mainstream schools.
“However, we recognise that special school provision is also crucial so we’ve put forward plans to improve three services across the county.
“We’ve proposed a strategy that will provide the best learning opportunities and match children and young people’s talents, ambitions and support them to make a positive transition to adulthood.
“However, we want to hear your thoughts and ideas and will consider all the views from this consultation before producing a report for the SEND Partnership Board and putting together the final strategy.”