Plans have been proposed to repurpose Four Ways Children’s Centre on Burnage Avenue, Clock Face, to accommodate students with special educational needs. The proposal is currently under review by the council, with details available on its planning portal.
The application seeks permission to change the facility’s use from a day centre to one that provides education for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It aims to relocate students from Rectory CE Primary School in Garswood to the new site.
According to the application, the intent is to “relocate a cohort of SEN children from Rectory CE Primary School to Four Ways Children’s Learning Centre.”
The proposal also highlights that the council’s approved budget for 2024/25 includes a target to save £424,000 by reducing the number of operational children’s centres to three. These centres would function as family hubs.
The local authority has received capital funding from the Department for Education (DFE) to expand and improve facilities for children with Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs). The proposal states that an external review of SEND provision recommended enhancing resource-based education as an efficient use of funding. This approach aims to provide more choices for parents and relieve pressure on costly out-of-borough services.
The council believes that Four Ways Children’s Centre is well-suited for delivering specialized educational support to children needing more tailored resources. The plan suggests creating a 32-place satellite provision for students with complex autism spectrum disorder (ASD) needs.
The document emphasizes that this proposal represents a cost-effective solution compared to the initial plan to demolish and replace the existing modular building at the school. The new plan could also accommodate more students.
This initiative aims to provide an educational environment within a mainstream school that includes appropriate specialist support and a differentiated curriculum. It will also offer outreach and in-reach services, along with the potential for integrating SEND services. Additionally, families may benefit from services like short breaks, SEND Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programs, family time, and a SEND youth offer.
The public has until Thursday, October 24, to provide feedback on the planning application during the standard consultation period.
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