The Department for Education has approved plans for a new special needs school in Harrow, set to be constructed at 265 The Ridgeway West Harrow.
This development will create 292 new school places for local children and young people with severe learning difficulties and autism, addressing a critical demand for specialised educational facilities in the borough.
Harrow will get the extra school places for local children aged 4 to 19 with complex needs bringing significant benefits to families in Harrow and the council – reducing the costs associated with travel and outer borough school placement.
The school will be Harrow’s first special needs school for 20 years that will support children from age 4 to post 16, from primary school, through high school and on into sixth form – creating a place to stay and learn.
It will build on the high-quality special education already available locally. By expanding capacity and the range of support on offer it means we can offer more to local children.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Paul Osborn, said, “We’ve been working towards this moment for many years – it’s truly amazing news for our borough. This decision enables us to deliver something truly life-changing – a great facility that will benefit kids and young people in Harrow for decades to come.”
The approval of a new special needs school in Harrow aligns with growing national demand for SEND places and accompanies a local decision to expand Harrow’s Alexandra School by 30 places.
Harrow’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Hitesh Karia, said, “Parents often tell me about the challenges they face – this new school will provide invaluable support to them and their children.
“We are going further with special needs places. Today I am pleased that we approved additional SEND places at Alexandra School. Both are fantastic achievements that show our commitment to put residents first and support those most in need.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
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