More places for children with special educational needs

Hounslow Council extending SEN provision to include Strand on the Green

In order to meet the demands of a growing number of pupils with special educational needs (SEN), Hounslow Council is consulting on proposals to expand the services on offer across the borough.

Hounslow’s population is growing and more pupils are entering school with SEN and disability. Special schools in the borough are full and surrounding boroughs report similar pressure on their own special schools.

The council has a duty to provide education for these children that can provide the specialist support and teaching that they require if they are to fulfil their potential and be kept safe.

Cllr Tom Bruce, cabinet member for education and HR at the council, said:

“We, in common with other boroughs across London, are experiencing an increase in the number of children with special educational needs.

“The proposals are designed to increase the number of SEN centre places to help as many of our pupils as possible to be educated in the borough, in the most suitable setting.”

The three main proposals being consulted on are:

• expanding the already successful provision for primary aged pupils with moderate learning difficulties at  Hounslow Heath Infant & Nursery and Hounslow Heath Junior Schools;
• opening Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 provision for primary aged pupils with autistic spectrum disorder at Strand-on-the-Green Infant & Nursery and Strand-on-the-Green Junior Schools;
• opening a Key Stage 1 provision for pupils with social communication difficulties and autistic spectrum disorder at Feltham Hill Infant & Nursery School.

The consultation is running until 18 October, and people can have their say by visiting www.hounslow.gov.uk/senprovision_consultation

October 9, 2013