A proposal to expand Beaucroft School and increase provision for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities has been approved by Dorset Council’s Cabinet today (7 December).
The plans to expand Beaucroft School fall under a wider ranging bold and ambitious £37.5m plan to provide the best education for Dorset’s children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND).
In July 2021, Dorset Council’s Cabinet approved the initial proposals and budget allocation that would allow the former Wimborne First School site to be used to increase the capacity of Beaucroft School. This was then followed by a formal four-week consultation period.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said; “I’m delighted that the proposed expansion of the Beaucroft Foundation School has received full support and is set to go ahead.
“This is a great opportunity to build on one of Dorset’s outstanding special schools, enabling more of Dorset’s children to receive their education closer to home, whilst reducing the need for costly independent placements. The expansion will result in up to 80 additional places for Dorset children and young people, with a particular focus on those in post-16 education.”
Dorset Council’s bold and ambitious SEND Capital Strategy
We are delivering a bold and ambitious £37.5 million plan to create over 500 new specialist places in Dorset for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Our SEND Capital Strategy includes the creation of new special schools with fantastic facilities (such as Coombe House School), the expansion of high quality provision in Dorset’s existing special schools (including Beaucroft school) and the development of new facilities at existing mainstream schools, such as Inclusion Hubs.
Sign up for our SEND enewsletter to receive the latest news and information to support your family, children and young people with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities.
