‘Under-resourced’ district is given the go-ahead for its second special school
BRIDLINGTON is to have its first special school after gaining approval from the Department for Education.
The school, which will be run by an academy trust, will have 120 places for youngsters aged five to 19 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. It’s the second special school East Riding Council has bid for.
Last year the DfE confirmed that a special school will open in Welton, adjacent to South Hunsley School, on the former site of St Anne’s Special School. Called the North Star School, it will be operated by the Education Alliance academy trust, and is expected to open in 2027.
There are also plans for a third special school, probably in Beverley.
There are some 3,500 children in the East Riding who have an education, health and care plan.
The vast majority are in mainstream schools.
East Riding Council is the lowest funded local authority in the country for special educational needs.
Coun Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education, said they were “massively under resourced”.
Sending a child with special education needs outside the county could cost more than £50,000 a year. If the child needs a residential place the cost could exceed £300,000 annually.
She said: “As a portfolio holder I’m asking for more support to be put within mainstream schools to support children to get the best education within the mainstream. We know that the mainstream is the best place generally for our children.
"Bridlington and Welton are for those who can’t be facilitated within the mainstream.
“The new schools will go a long way towards providing much needed places and environments that enable children to flourish.”
The council has also supported the Constellation Trust with a bid for alternative provision, for children aged seven to 19.
The academy trust, which runs a number of primary and secondary schools in Hull, is working on identifying a site, with a view to opening a facility in September 2025.