Plans for the Bedford Special Educational Needs School to be shared

Bedford Borough Council is offering the chance for local people to find out more about its proposals for a new purpose-built school for children and young people in Bedford Borough with a special educational need and/or disability (SEND).

A public consultation will open on Wednesday 9 February and will share plans for a 200-place school for children aged 2 to 19, with a special educational need and/or disability, in the grounds of the former Robert Bruce Middle School in Kempston, off Hillgrounds Road.

Two online consultation events have been organised for local people to meet the design team and ask any questions. These events will take place on Wednesday 9 February between 12.30pm and 2.00pm and Thursday 10 February, between 6.00pm and 7.30pm.

The Bedford Special Educational Needs School, which will be run by Bedford Inclusive Learning and Training Trust, is an essential part of Bedford Borough Council's commitment to support children and young people in Kempston and across Bedford Borough with SEND.

This is a significant investment for children with a special educational need and/or disability in the borough, and I strongly encourage residents to look at the plans and provide their feedback on this important project.

Bedford Borough Council's vision for children with special educational needs and disabilities is the same as for all children in Bedford Borough - that they achieve well and fulfil their potential in their early years, at school and college, through transition to adulthood, have equal life chances and lead happy and fulfilled lives.

The leading construction specialists Wates have been appointed following a competitive tender to oversee the design and construction of the new school. Wates will work closely with the local community, SEND community, and Bedford Borough Council to develop the proposals.

Catherine Assink CEO of Bedford Inclusive Learning and Training Trust (BILTT) said, "This is an exciting time, and we're delighted to be working with Bedford Borough Council to open a new school for children with a special educational need or disability.

Creating new schools from scratch is no small task but the team at BILTT has an excellent track record, with three successful schools to date. Having the opportunity to develop purpose-built schools specifically designed to support the particular needs of the students is great for Bedford Borough and will be fantastic for those who will be able to attend and their families."

The plans will be available to view at localoffer.bedford.gov.uk/sendschoolconsultation or by calling a member of the project team on the freephone number 0800 689 5209 and asking for a hard copy to be posted.