SEND pupils complete first half-term in Swindon

New places were introduced by Swindon Borough Council in September at Millbrook Primary School, Churchward School and Crowdys Hill School. These places allow young people with SEND in Swindon to be given dedicated specialist support throughout their education.

Further primary school places will be made available from both January and September 2025, after the Council secured funding earlier this year totalling £22.43m to create new SEND places.

This money will include the development of a new special school for more than 100 children, which is expected to be ready by 2028. This project is being supported by council officers who are reviewing available sites to provide state-of-the-art facilities.

Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “I'm really pleased to see our continued commitment to building a fairer and better Swindon by opening new places for young people with SEND needs in Swindon.

“It is vitally important that our children and young people have the specialist support that they need and, while Swindon is lucky to have several special schools, we are committed as a council to create additional places, helping even more young people.

“Our schools and staff do a fantastic job in both specialist and mainstream schools in supporting young people and their families. We know we will need additional places in the years to come, which is why we are continuing to develop plans for a new special school for Swindon with the additional funding we secured earlier this year.

"I can’t wait to see what the young people we’re supporting through this work will go on to achieve.”

Dave Dearsley, Headteacher at Churchward School, said: "Working in collaboration with Activate Learning Education Trust and Swindon Borough Council, Brunel Academies Trust and Churchward School are delighted to be able to provide much needed additional SEND places for the young people of Swindon. 

"Our young people have had a stimulating and rewarding first term in our new satellite provision which provides access to new and exciting educational opportunities. Churchward School staff and students are looking forward to building on the relationships already being forged with our Swindon UTC neighbours."

Karen Shawyer, Headteacher at Millbrook School, said: "We are really pleased with the new extension to our SEN Unit, which has allowed us to accommodate an additional nine children in our provision. It has provided much needed facilities, including a sensory room, a well-designed teaching space, new toilets and a large covered outdoor area, which have really improved learning and have allowed us to meet increased need."