A newly-refurbished SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) hub at St. Lawrence’s Primary School in Church Stretton, is playing a “crucial role” in supporting children with special educational needs.
The hub opened this term and provides 10 places for children with special educational needs. It marks a significant milestone in Shropshire Council’s commitment to inclusive education.
The refurbishment has been made possible thanks to funding from Shropshire Council’s high needs capital allocation fund.
Andy Hall, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member children and education. said:
“We are incredibly proud of the opening of this fantastic facility at St. Lawrence’s Primary School. This hub will play a crucial role in providing tailored support for children with special educational needs, helping them to achieve their full potential in a mainstream setting, reducing the need to travel vast distances”
“This investment of £60,000 of capital investment underscores Shropshire Council’s dedication to supporting mainstream inclusive practice and ensuring that every child has access to the resources and support they need to thrive at an inclusive school in their local area.”
The development of the hub has further enhanced the SEN provision at the school that was recognised in its Ofsted inspection report. His Majesty’s Inspector Cathy Young reported that:
“The school promotes inclusion. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified accurately. This is an inclusive school where pupils are placed at the centre of all decisions.”
Headteacher, Alan Brannen, is delighted with the Hub’s new facilities including a beautiful sensory room and is impressed with his team’s desire to see pupils with SEND thrive. He said:
“We now have nine pupils in the hub and they have enjoyed the most fantastic start to the new school year – being in the new refurbished rooms or being in classrooms with their peers. I am immensely proud of the members of staff who are supporting these pupils directly and of the whole team, including governors, who are passionate about enabling all of our children to flourish.”