Plans approved for new part-time SEND school

Plans have been approved for a new SEND school for part-time students.

The facility at a unit on Pendeford Business Park in Wolverhampton will cater for children aged 14 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health needs, or other special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The proposal was submitted by Emma Rennie-Gibbons and Samantha Webster from the alternative education service Leading Futures, who both have children with special needs.

Ms Rennie-Gibbons said she had a passion to support young people to achieve their goals "regardless of their starting point".

She said she had four children who "found school challenging" , adding she understood the importance of bespoke learning packages.

The school will open for two sessions each day, from 09:00 - 12:00 and 12:45 - 15:45, with students attending for a maximum of 18 hours a week.

Each session will cater for no more than 20 learners.

Wolverhampton City Council, which approved the plans, said the facility would bring the vacant unit back into use and benefit the city, bringing new jobs and investment to the area.

Staff will deliver a tailored curriculum including maths, English and personal development qualifications.

The facility will also offer students "mindfulness opportunities" through art to support "emotional regulation and wellbeing".

​"I am a mom to three neurodiverse children which has further developed my empathy for the struggles some learners face," Ms Webster said.

​"I have personally experienced the positive impact that arts and crafts can have on personal development and mental health, so am excited to see the impact it can also have on our learners."

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