250 places created for children with special education needs in Norfolk
Around 250 more are due to be created at local schools over the next few years
A five year plan to crease around 500 new school places for children with special education needed in Norfolk has so far provided 247 spots in local schools.
£120m is being spent over five years, with plans including three new schools and expansions to existing schools.
The Duke of Lancaster School in Fakenham opened its doors earlier this week to 48 children with special needed.
Bure Park Specialist Academy in Great Yarmouth opened in September last year. It will have a capacity of 88.
Building work is due to start soon on a third new school at Easton near Norwich, with a planned capacity of 170.
The Bridge Easton School is due to open in spring 2023.
A total of 11 new special classrooms have been created as part of the plan.
Norfolk County Councillor and Cabinet Member John Fisher said:
“The progress our programme has made in partnership with the schools, education trusts, building contractors and other partners we have worked with throughout is absolutely fantastic.
“There has been real determination and passionate drive to deliver all the many projects we are running we can provide a range of new specialist places for children at multiple locations right across the county.
“We very much hope this increased capacity with all these new places will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people with SEND and their families.”