Worcester MP supports new SEND school
Robin Walker's been reacting to its proposed opening in Malvern in 2027
Last updated 15th Apr 2024
Worcester MP Robin Walker says work needs to continue to provide places for pupils with specialist educational needs across the county.
Robin, who's standing down at the next general election, believes the new autism school in Malvern set to open in 2027 is a step in the right direction.
He says looking at the current services should be the focus until that opens.
Robin said: “Work needs to happen throughout the county.
"There's a huge amount of demand for specialist places in county, both in primary and in secondary, and I know some of our special schools have expanded to try and meet that, but clearly it's not enough.
“The school in Malvern will help with demand, and we've also seen some new provision in the north of the county, but I know that the special schools in Worcester are absolutely full, and there's more demand for the places."
"We want to make sure that more provision is delivered in county, and we also need to make sure that every child is getting the education that they're legally entitled to.
"One of my concerns is the number of parents I've heard from who are home educating because they're not able to get a suitable place for their child, and that shouldn't be happening.
"We should be making sure that there are suitable places for every child, and from that perspective, getting more specialist places, particularly ones like this in Malvern, which are specialised on children with autism, which I know there's a huge amount of demand for, will be really important."
In a statement, Worcestershire County Council said: “The continued rise in the number of children with special educational needs and EHCPs has put pressure on access to specialist provision for pupils in Worcestershire.
"We continue to work with all schools around inclusion and with all specialist settings, in particular special schools, to review options available to increase pupil numbers and to ensure that children are accessing the most suitable provision for their needs.
"Options include re-configuration of spaces, expansions, or conversion of temporary accommodation to permanent builds.”