Lancashire has fewer places in special educational needs (SEN) units compared with other local authorities. In January 2020 the Council approved the development of SEN units in mainstream schools in Lancashire so that more children and young people can get the specialist support they need in a mainstream school closer to their home.
One of the areas in which SEN units are needed for children is Colne/Nelson and this is why we are thinking about whether we should develop an SEN unit for children with social communication and interaction needs, including those with an autism spectrum disorder in our school.
At the moment this proposal is at a very early stage of development and we would really like to find out what families, staff, governors and other interested members of the local community think about this idea. In order to do this we are starting an informal consultation on 19th March, that will run for 6 weeks until 30th April 2021. More information about the proposal can be found here. You can also give your views and ask any questions about this proposal using the same link and filling in the questionnaire. You can get the same information in a booklet if you contact the school office.
We are also arranging an online virtual meeting for anyone who would like to find out more about this proposal on the 25th March 2021 at 5pm.. A member of Lancashire County Council's Inclusion Service will also be at the meeting to answer any questions you may have with me and other members of school staff/governing body. Information on the arrangements for this and how to access the meeting will follow in due course.
We would very much like to hear your views about this proposal and so hope that you are able to attend the meeting and/or fill in the questionnaire. Please do get in touch with Humma Ahmed/Tracy Townsend on 01282614834 at the school or Lancashire County Council by email Inclusion.South@Lancashire.gov.uk or phone 01772 531597 if you would like any more information about this. We look forward to hearing from you.