School plan for children at risk of exclusion

A new school is aiming to support children at risk of exclusion at a time of "significant demand".

Wolverhampton-based Pathfinder Education has submitted a planning application to convert a commercial premises at The Gatehouse on Well Lane.

If approved, it would provide full-time and part-time education for a maximum of 15 children and young people aged 11–16.

All of them would be at risk of exclusion and disengagement from mainstream education and receive help with complex needs, according to documents supporting the planning application.

Director Stu Evans said the alternative provision would be managed by suitably qualified and experienced education professionals.

"The aim is to deliver a supportive, structured and inclusive learning environment where young people can re-engage with education and develop both academically and personally," he said.

"These students require smaller learning environments and tailored support to thrive."

The application claimed nearby communities would benefit from reduced anti-social behaviour, adding the small scale of the provision would not result in adverse impact on traffic or noise.

The application will be considered by the City of Wolverhampton Council in the coming weeks.

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