Refurbishment work is to get under way at a Peterborough school, creating a specialist unit for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Cabinet members have authorised the refurbishment of underutilised space at Southfields Primary School in Stanground to create a dedicated SEND Specialist Unit for 38 children aged five to eleven with autism spectrum disorder and associated learning difficulties. The unit is set to open from September 2027, providing a nurturing and inspiring environment that enables every child to flourish.
The move is part of the council’s commitment to ensuring every child and young person can access quality education in their local community, regardless of their individual needs. It will also help every child to feel valued, included, and supported to thrive within their local mainstream school and where the strengths and potential of children with SEND are recognised and celebrated.
This approach is in alignment with the government’s White Paper Reforms, setting out the expectation that children with SEND should be able to attend their local school and have their needs met by trained staff.
To guarantee the highest standards of provision, council officers are working closely with school staff and specialist partners on the design and implementation of the unit. Enhanced training, supervision, and ongoing support will be provided to ensure that all staff are equipped with the skills and expertise to deliver aspirational outcomes for children with SEND. Collaboration with local special schools will further enrich the experience and capability of the team at Southfields, ensuring continuity of care and excellence in teaching.
Commenting on the announcement, Councillor Katy Cole, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We are proud to take this important step. By investing in inclusive provision, we are making strong inroads into ensuring that children and families can remain rooted in their communities while benefiting from specialist support.
“Our vision is for every child to experience belonging and opportunity in their local school, supported by trained staff who share our commitment. This new unit will help us realise this key aim and I look forward to seeing it established."
You can read the Cabinet meeting agenda on our website.