More than £2m could open up to 40 new SEND places

More than £2m could be spent refurbishing part of a primary school to open up to 40 places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Peterborough City Council is considering spending £2.1m on overhauling "underutilised space" at Wittering Primary School.

A new SEND unit could open at the school by September 2027, according to a report prepared for the council's cabinet.

The proposal will be discussed at a meeting on 23 June.

The report said the school had excess space because of falling pupil numbers.

The council said opening a SEND unit within an existing primary school would improve mainstream inclusion.

It would also reduce the cost of placing pupils at schools outside of the city, which is currently forecast to reach nearly £9m a year.

Peterborough City Council currently has 491 places for children with SEND aged between four and 11, but forecasts show that demand is likely to increase to 750 places within the next three years.

More than 20 children with social, emotional, and mental health needs have been on the authority's waiting list for a specialist placement for up to 12 months, the report said.

"Notwithstanding the financial burden of out of city placements, the impact of extended school days to allow for travelling time, and the loss of familiarisation with local community and local friendship groups has a negative impact on a child's journey towards adulthood and family cohesion," it added.

Council officers have recommended decision-makers approve the funding.

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