Two new units for pupils with special learning needs and disabilities are to open at a Southampton school.
Senior councillors approved plans for additional provision at Woodlands Community College and St Mary’s CE Primary School, both in Harefield.
The Woodlands unit will specifically target girls with social, emotional and mental health needs and will require an investment of £250,000 to set up.
As for the profile of pupils planning to enter secondary school, there are currently no alternative options in Southampton, although there is provision in the city for boys.
St Mary’s plan would allow the units, based on a similar model at Mason Moore Primary School in Millbrook, to be housed within the school’s existing environment, at no extra cost.
Southampton City Council’s headquarters are in the Civic Centre
The Primary School department uses the school’s existing environment to provide specialised, bespoke support for children with complex needs.
Both new facilities will accommodate eight students initially, with the Woodlands facility having the capacity to expand to 12 in future.
Ministers approved the proposal at a meeting on Tuesday, June 25th.
Councillor Alex Winning, cabinet member for children and learning, said special needs schools in the city at both secondary and primary levels were reaching capacity.
He added that despite the capital costs of £250,000, children would be placed outside the city if the plans did not go ahead.
Councillor Winning said this was bad for children, their families and the council and would result in higher placement costs and further pressure on school transport budgets.
“These facilities can also, where appropriate, provide a bridge for students to return to mainstream education, and I think that’s really important for inclusion.”
“Placements at Woodlands were originally intended to target girls with social, emotional and mental health needs but a recent Ofsted inspection found this to be lacking.
“I think this will demonstrate that we are actually moving forward with those recommendations and acting proactively and providing the support that’s needed.”
Read more: Southampton school given new Ofsted rating
Public hearings on both units concluded in January.
Councillor Winning said there was “broad support” with 72 per cent of respondents in favour of the St Mary’s plans and 69 per cent in favour of the Woodlands proposals.
St Mary’s currently has two empty classrooms that could be used for the new facility, so there will be no installation costs.
Woodlands units will have their own purpose-built buildings with toilets and outdoor spaces, and students will be supported on-site by a dedicated team of staff.
Placement in these units is funded on a per pupil basis through the Higher Needs Budget, similar to funding for other special schools and units in Southampton.