Dozens of new SEND places to be offered at schools

Almost 50 more special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) places will be offered at two schools thanks to a new grant.

A total of 48 pupils will be given dedicated SEND places at Mountford Manor Primary School and at Oaktree Primary School from September.

Oaktree has been handed a £500,000 investment to convert an unused building into a space with a dedicated play park and a specialist sensory room.

Swindon Borough Council said the £3.4m grant from the Department for Education will be spent on ensuring children have "access to the support they need to thrive".

Gary Evans, CEO of The Blue Kite Academy Trust, responsible for Oaktree Primary, said the new space will allow teaches to provide "tailored support".

"By combining high-quality teaching, specialist expertise and carefully designed learning spaces, the units will enable us to provide tailored support for children with complex needs while keeping them connected to the wider school community," he said.

Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, cabinet member for education, said ensuring every child in Swindon has "access to the support they need to thrive is one of our top priorities".

"The investment at Oaktree and Mountford Manor Primary Schools means more families will benefit from high‑quality, specialist education in their community," Amaral-Shaikh added.

Council chiefs said eventually about 158 new SEND places will be created by using the new government grant.

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