Site for new specialist school identified in west Berkshire
A former village primary school could be used in Theale near Reading
A former primary school in Theale could become a special education needs and disabilities (SEND) school.
West Berkshire council is planning to create a new specialist secondary school for up to 42 learners aged 11 to 18 years with complex social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, who may also have a diagnosis of autism.
WBC says it has searched across the West Berkshire district and identified the old Theale Primary School building, on Church Street, as the most viable option.
Councillor Dominic Boeck, WBC’s executive member for Education, Children and Young People, said:
“I’m pleased that we are moving forward with plans for this very important provision.
“We feel that utilising the old Theale Primary School building will provide an excellent space for these young people to grow both emotionally and educationally.”
The old Theale Primary School was vacated by the primary school when it moved to new premises in 2020.
The council says it is a suitable location for the following reasons:
The building is available for use and currently unoccupied
As the building was previously used as a school it lends itself well to conversion for use as a specialist provision for children with SEND
The building offers all the required space without the need for any new buildings
The use of this building represents the efficient use of existing public resources
Whilst the site is not in the centre of West Berkshire, there are good transport links given the proximity to the M4
Consultation
The council is now asking residents to have their say on the proposals, with a consultation open until June 13.
WBC says no other viable options have been identified.
It says purchasing a new site would not be an efficient use of resources and would significantly extend the timeframe it would take to open the new facility.
The council considered the former care home site situated at Walnut Close, in Thatcham, but said this would require a significant rebuild project and would not represent the best use of resources whilst also resulting in substantial delays.
The new SEND school could open as soon as September 2022.
It is likely the majority of students will be transported to and from school by taxi or minibus, the council said, although in some cases they may make their own way or be transported by parents.
The council says traffic levels will be relatively low compared to a mainstream primary school, with minibus being the main form of travel.
The school will be for young people who have complex needs in relation to social, emotional and mental health difficulties, who may also have a diagnosis of autism, or may be waiting to be assessed for autism.
Students will be young people who have found a mainstream school environment difficult due to their anxieties and their need for small teaching groups in a nurturing environment with specialist staff.
What will be involved in the building work?
There will be no new buildings erected on the site or extensions to the existing buildings.
The majority of the work will be refurbishment of the existing buildings, together with removal of some of the older temporary buildings, which should make the site more attractive.
To comment on the proposal, complete the council’s survey by midnight on Sunday, 13 June 2021.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SENDprovision-Theale
The council is set to vote on the plans at an Executive meeting on Thursday, July 15.