Queensbridge Primary School - expanding the SEND resource provision unit

Have your say on the proposal to increase pupil place capacity and expand the existing SEND resource provision at Queensbridge CP School.

The purpose of this letter is to advise and consult with you about the proposal to increase pupil place capacity and expand the existing SEND resource provision unit at Queensbridge CP School, St Germain St, Farnworth, Bolton BL4 7BL.

Why is the Local Authority considering increasing capacity at the existing Resource Provision unit at Queensbridge CP School?
The proposal is to help young children throughout their primary education by providing targeted support for those with additional special requirements within a traditional mainstream school setting.
Special Resource Provision units have proved successful in helping pupils integrate into and be supported by a traditional mainstream setting and it is now proposed to provide a similar unit at Queensbridge CP School to accommodate a further Special Resource Provision.

In Autumn 2022, the Council sought expressions of interest from mainstream schools to offer additional Special Resource Provision for children. Queensbridge CP responded with a positive interest and following a selection process, was identified as an appropriate school.

The school currently has an established and successful SEND unit accommodating up to 8 SEND KS1 & KS2 pupils. Due to a rise in SEND pupil demand an additional 8 place SEND unit is required.
This additional capacity will be capable of permanently accommodating upto 8 primary age pupils within an appropriate setting and will have direct access to other areas of the main school when required. It will be accessed via its own entrance and exit and will enjoy use of a dedicated and secure outdoor play area of the school.

Why is the Local Authority consulting with you?
Section 14 of the Education Act 1996 considers the permanent provision of such a resource unit to be additional to the characteristics of a mainstream school and which requires the Council to formally determine its status. However, before finalising whether to proceed with the proposal, we are seeking your views.

When would the increase occur?

In September 2023, the school will begin to admit up to 8 additional pupils with SEND requirements, in total providing 16 permanent SEND places at Queensbridge CP.

What happens next?
All comments received will be reported to the Executive Member for Children’s Services for consideration before formally determining the proposal.

If you would like to submit any comments regarding this consultation, you should do so in writing to the Consultation and Research Team at consultation@bolton.gov.uk with the subject line as ‘Statutory School Consultation – Queensbridge’ or alternatively you can write in to:
Freepost RTTT-YTEL-YSXS, Consultation & Research Team, 2nd Floor, Town Hall, Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RU
In order to ensure that your comments are considered you should submit this no later than Sunday 5th March 2023.