A new primary school for children with special educational needs and disabilities will be set up in Salford. The Department for Education approved council plans for the new ‘free’ SEND school.
Salford city council bosses say it will complement existing special schools and additionally-resourced schools and offer parents ‘a broader choice’.
And allow local children to stay and learn in the city, rather than having to travel to other areas. Officials will now begin on a suitable site and location for the new school.
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Free schools are a type of academy. Like academies, they are operated by a multi-academy trust.
The new school will support children aged four to 11 years old who have complex educational needs. It is expected the school will prioritise supporting children with autism and focus on communication and interaction.
Coun Jim Cammell, lead member for children’s and young people’s services said: “This really is positive news for the children and parents of our city. Our population has grown rapidly in recent years and continues to do so.
"A new primary special school will be an important part of helping us manage the help families need in Salford. This is the start of a long process. We can now start working to find a suitable location and an academy trust partner to deliver and bring this new school to life.
"More children will be able to have their special educational needs met in the city, instead of having to travel to special schools out of area.”
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