Blackpool set to receive multi-million pound funding boost for special education needs. A substantial sum of money is being allocated to the town to enhance educational opportunities for children, with an estimated additional £25m expected by the end of this year.
Among the approved projects is a £6.2m funding allocation to construct new classroom space at Highfurlong Special School, Park School and Educational Diversity, a pupil referral unit catering to children unable to attend mainstream schools, located on Bathurst Avenue.
Paul Turner, assistant director for education at Blackpool council, said the funding would create more places for children in need - and improve the quality of provision. Speaking at a meeting of the council's children and young people's scrutiny committee, Mr Turner said the investment would reduce the number of children who have to attend specialised schools outside the borough - and that all the new buildings would be completed by 2026.
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The town has also secured additional funding, including £3.8m from the government, to address spending deficits and support up to eight new places at The Oracle in South Shore, offering education for teenagers over 19. Earlier this year, Blackpool was selected by the Department for Education to establish a new SEMH (social, emotional, and mental health) school, capable of accommodating up to 56 pupils.
In March, it was announced that Blackpool was among 33 areas in the country set to receive substantial funding for a new school. Further enhancements to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision include improved assessment facilities at Revoe Primary Academy. Funding is planned to assist children unable to attend school due to medical reasons.
The investments come in response to criticisms received by Blackpool council's following an Ofsted SEND inspection in May last year. The inspection identified four significant areas of weakness - including lack of accountability for the improvement strategy; unfulfilled duties regarding the preparation of children and young people for adulthood; poor communication with parents and carers; and lengthy waiting times for certain therapies.
Since then, the town hall has provided written statements outlining the measures being taken to improve services. Services will be re-inspected by Ofsted within 18 months of the initial evaluation.
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