Government expands support for pupils with special educational needs in Norfolk

These new schools will create places for 270 children in Great Yarmouth and Downham Market

Author: Sian RochePublished 9th May 2024

The government's expanding its support for pupils with special educational needs in Norfolk.

It's selected two trusts in the county, Eastern Learning Alliance and Unity Schools Partnerships, that will run two new special free schools in Norfolk.

These new schools will create places for 270 children in Great Yarmouth and Downham Market whose needs can't be met in mainstream education.

The announcement's part of the Government’s plan to deliver 60,000 more special school places.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “Special schools can truly transform children’s lives, enabling pupils with special education needs and disabilities to thrive in environments that meet their needs.

“We’re creating tens of thousands of special school places since 2010 and today’s announcement takes us one step closer to our commitment of a record 60,000 more places for children with additional needs.

“I know how hard it can be for families trying to navigate the SEND system, and the creation of more brilliant special schools is just one part of our plan to make sure every family and every child get the right support, in the right place at the right time.”

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott said: “Every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential.

“That’s why opening new special schools in Norfolk will be transformational for local children with additional needs.

“It will ensure they receive a best-in-class education and provide a helping hand to hard working families across East of England.”

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