Dr Neil Hudson MP welcomed the Conservative Government's decision to establish a new special free school in Cumbria for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The Government has announced it is establishing 16 new special free schools and appointed trusts at a further 7 schools, providing thousands of vital places for pupils whose needs are not able to be met in mainstream education.
The special school application was based on around 140 places for children aged 4-19 with autism and speech, communications and language difficulties. While specifics over location and design have not yet been confirmed, Westmorland and Furness Council have said they hope to establish the school in the Eden area.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"Our new local special school - and the 15 others across England - will help ensure that every child reaches their full potential through enriching, fulfilling education, no matter their specific needs.
"I'm delighted our Conservative Government has chosen Cumbria to host a school. I know this will be well received by my constituents who are set to benefit from world-leading education."
This came just after Dr Hudson championed the Conservatives’ already stellar record on children with SEND. He stood up in the Commons pointing to the Conservatives' record levels of funding and dedicated SEND school places. You can watch that intervention here.
Indeed this announcement follows investment of £105 million confirmed by the Chancellor at this year’s Spring Budget, and is part of the Government’s plan that is delivering 60,000 more special school places – the largest ever expansion in capacity. This is helping to increase capacity, following a decrease in pupils in special schools from 1997 to 2010.
The government has already opened 108 schools as part of the special free schools programme since 2010, with a further 93 planned to open in future years.
Special schools ensure pupils with special needs such as autism, emotional and behaviour disorders, severe learning difficulties and more can flourish thanks to specially trained teachers, programmes, and equipment.
Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, added:
"Special schools can truly transform children’s lives, enabling pupils with special education needs and disabilities to thrive in environments that meet their needs.
"We’re creating tens of thousands of special school places since 2010 and today’s announcement takes us one step closer to our commitment of a record 60,000 more places for children with additional needs.
"I know how hard it can be for families trying to navigate the SEND system, and the creation of more brilliant special schools is just one part of our plan to make sure every family and every child get the right support, in the right place at the right time."
