Plans to build more than 250 special educational needs and disability (SEND) school places have been given the green light.
In a major boost for children and families in Harborough, Leicestershire County Council has been given permission to build a new 252-place special school, bringing specialist provision to the only district in the county currently without it.
Land on Kilworth Road in Husbands Bosworth will be home to the £30m school which will provide much-needed places and help to save the council in the long term as the increased provision reduces demand on independent SEND places.
Planning officers granted permission on proposals, with the county council’s ambition to complete the work in 2028.
"There is a great and ever-growing need for specialist school places in Leicestershire. We know that specialist places are not always immediately available for every child or young person who need them, so this news is very welcome.
“A purpose-built school where it’s most needed is a great start to our work in improving access to specialist support. There’s still more work we have planned, but this will be a huge leap forward for Harborough.”Councillor Charles Pugsley, cabinet member for children and families
Currently, young people in south Leicestershire need to travel long distances, including out of county to access a suitable specialist setting.
There is also a significant shortfall in SEND provision across the county, and no provision in South Leicestershire as identified in the county council’s SEND and Inclusion Strategy.
The site in Husbands Bosworth was identified as the best location to serve the Harborough area, which will minimise travel distance for students and reduce the county council’s current reliance on independent providers.