Plan Revealed For New Special School

Plans have been revealed for a new special school in the Market Harborough area.

Leicestershire County Council say it would initially accommodate around 100 pupils and then likely be expanded.

A potential site for the school has been identified, as the council works to address a lack of provision in the area to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for children and families, said: “We are looking at the feasibility of establishing a new special school in the Market Harborough area.

“We are in the early stages of planning this and, all being well, we hope to have one established as soon as is practically possible once all investigations and planning has been considered, as part of a county-wide strategy to deliver more special schools to support SEND children.”

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The council says the school will initially focus on secondary aged (with potentially some upper Key Stage 2 provision) children with communication and interaction and/or cognition and learning primary needs, without complex physical needs, which will be the focus of future phases of school development.

Kyra Williams from Market Harborough is a campaigner on SEND issues, as her daughter Molly is severely disabled and has complex special needs.

She has welcomed the announcement:

The council has not revealed where the potential site for new school is, although one option could be the former Roman Way Community Centre in Market Harborough, which recently closed after being sold by the authority.

Details of the new school plan are included in the council’s draft SEND and Inclusion Strategy, which sets out how organisations representing education, health and social care will work together to improve services and support.

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