Department of Education approves plan to increase number of specialist places by renovating former school.
Up to 216 children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Bournemouth will soon benefit from specialist school places, as the former Parkfield School is being redeveloped. The new site, which will operate as a new satellite of the existing Linwood School, will provide provision or a wide range of needs including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities and social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).
Photo by Laura Rivera / Unsplash
Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council will work with Linwood School to prepare the site, though it is expected that it will include new specialist learning areas, calm internal layouts, therapy and sensory spaces. High-performance acoustic windows and doors will help to create well-insulated learning spaces.
Access, security measures and external works are also planned, so as to provide varied secure outdoor learning and adapted play spaces.
Funding is expected to be met through the council’s high needs capital grant programme, as part of BCP Council’s wider plans to increase the number of high-quality local specialist school places. The aim is give children clear and supportive pathways as they grow, while reducing dependence on independent specialist schools.
Gemma Talbot, Executive Headteacher at Linwood School, says: ‘We are delighted to announce that we are working with BCP council to plan for a new satellite provision for Linwood School. This expansion comes in response to the growing demand for specialist places across the area and reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
‘The new satellite will enable us to increase our capacity while maintaining the high standards of education, care and therapeutic support that define our school. We recognise the challenges many families face in securing the right provision for their children, and this development represents an important step in ensuring that more pupils can access the personalised, high-quality education they deserve closer to home.
‘Our vision remains unchanged: to provide a nurturing, inclusive and aspirational environment where every child can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. By expanding our provision, we are strengthening our ability to work in partnership with families and the wider community to achieve the very best outcomes for every pupil. We look forward to welcoming new pupils and families to our school community and to continuing our close collaboration with local partners to meet the needs of children and young people across BCP.’
Cllr Richard Burton, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, adds: ‘We know that timely access to the right specialist support can be lifechanging for children and young people and for their families. I’m delighted that we are working with Linwood School on this expansion, they provide exceptional support for our children and young people, something Ofsted has recognised with their “outstanding” rating.
‘The satellite model allows the school to tailor different areas of expertise across sites while still maintaining the same standards and ethos. Pupils will be on Linwood’s roll, taught by Linwood’s specialist staff and benefit from the same high-quality teaching, therapies and support. A satellite school here brings real advantages for children, helping us meet a wide range of needs in the best possible way.
‘The new campus proposed at the former Parkfield site will mean more children can access quality specialist places within BCP. This will help reduce reliance on costly independent placements outside the area, improve outcomes for learners and deliver better value for money. At the same time, we are working to deliver our ambitious programme to transform home‑to‑school travel, supporting children to build independence skills for life. As part of this, the Council will work creatively with Linwood School to develop sustainable travel options that help families access the new campus.”
‘Together, these developments are about giving children and young people the best possible start in life, while ensuring our services remain sustainable for the future.’
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