Developing Special School Provision

Overview

Richmond guiding principles

In order to guide our work in improving Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision in the Borough of Richmond, the Council has established three guiding principles for improvements:

1. Children with SEN should have their needs met in mainstream schools wherever possible
2. If provision in a special setting is necessary, it should be as local and inclusive as possible
3. There should be as much choice for parents as possible.

The Proposals

Richmond is planning a number of changes that will enable the Council to deliver its commitment to improve SEN provision in the borough to provide the following benefits:

1. The Newhouse Centre coming under the umbrella of Clarendon School with greater management support and resilience adding a significant layer of security to the long-term future provision for Newhouse Centre pupils.
2. Expansion of the Gateway Centre to provide additional places and offer post-16 education in Richmond for children with autism from Year 11 onwards.  Gateway students will stay in the same school with their friends to continue their education and enjoy a transition into post-16 education within their local community.
3. The expansion of Clarendon School as an umbrella SEN provider, to include and extend its provision across both Newhouse and Gateway Centres offering more SEN places. The new Clarendon School would have an extended offer for children with Complex Learning Difficulties for:
   • 100 children aged 7-16 in the main school
   • 32 children aged 11-19 at the Gateway
   • 23 children at the Newhouse Centre

 Consultation

The consultation about the changes is being undertaken in three phases::

Phase 1 – Distribution of a letter in May 2014 to all parents of pupils at the Newhouse Centre outlining details of the proposed changes.

Phase 2 - This survey on the development of special school provision in Richmond until the 10th August 2014.

Phase 3 - A pre-planning consultation event about the extension of Clarendon School (Gateway Centre) will take place on 8 July 2014 between 4.00pm and 7.45pm. This will be an opportunity for people to have their say about the extension of the Gateway Centre to accommodate the additional pupils.

We are keen to hear your views and invite you to take part in this programme of engagement and have your say.  Please read background document before completing the questionnaire.

All comments will be considered by the Achieving For Children Senior Management Team as part of the decision making process.

For moe information contact Simon James.