Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) school in Lancaster, information for academy sponsors

  1. Overview
  2. Introduction
  3. Background
  4. Current arrangements
  5. Location
  6. Establishing new schools
  1. Specifications
  2. Funding arrangements
  3. Application process
  4. Proposed timeline
  5. Assessment criteria
  6. Delivering excellence in education

2. Introduction

In Lancashire, we have a vision for provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. We want all pupils to receive the best teaching and learning, be educated in fully inclusive settings, be cared for in safe and supportive families, participate and be involved in their communities and lead happy, safe and fulfilled lives.

In terms of specialist provision, we would like, as far as possible, for all children and young people to be educated close to their home in educational settings appropriate to their needs, because we recognise the value of children and young people remaining within their locality and being part of the community wherever possible.

In recent years, both nationally and locally there has been a marked increase in demand for specialist educational placements for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, particularly for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

It is proposed to develop a 54-place school for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs that is located in Lancaster to serve the northern part of the county.

The school will cater for pupils aged from five to 11 years of age.

The school will be located in a refurbished children's centre and the opening date is subject to confirmation with the Department for Education (DfE). Pupils admitted to this school will have an education health and care plan (EHCP), therefore admissions will be co-ordinated through the Lancashire Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) teams.

The school will be wholly funded by the DfE Free School Programme. An allocation for start-up and post opening revenue costs for the new school will be agreed with the successful academy sponsor in due course.

This guide provides further detail for academy sponsors and other interested parties, why we believe a new school will provide the best solution to improve choice and standards for our children and young people with SEND and their families, where it will be located, how this will be funded, how we expect this to be run and the process and timeline that we intend to follow.

Please take time to read this information carefully and make contact using the details provided should you require any further information.

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