More details have been released about a new SEN school hoping to open in Wiltshire this Autumn.
The Melksham House building has had many purposes over the years but is now set to open as a school providing social, emotional and mental health provisions for primary and secondary-age children with special educational needs.
It will aim to relieve some of the pressure from the large increase in pupils with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) across the county and ensure such pupils receive full-time equivalent education in an OFSTED-registered school.
This will be essential for the community, as there is currently no specialist primary school provision for children who have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (SEMH) in Wiltshire.
As the finishing touches are being put in place ready for the Autumn opening, Wiltshire Council has now confirmed that the education provider will be Brunel Education.
Brunel Education is a subsidiary company of Brunel Academies Trust which already operates three schools in Wiltshire (Exeter House, St Marks and Wyndham Park) and the company will provide up to 45 primary-aged and up to 25 places for secondary age places for young people at Melksham House.
"We are so pleased that we will soon open this building as a school which can provided much needed, first-class education for pupils," said Cllr Jane Davies, cabinet member for SEND.
“We know Melksham House is a special landmark for the town and it’s taken on many roles over its history and I’m delighted it’s going to be a building once again which is filled with activity and aspiration.
“We want our children to have their education in Wiltshire at a school they attend full-time that works for them and meets their needs.
"We have now appointed an education provider and we are making those final preparations so we can be ready for the coming school year.”
Jackie Fieldwick, CEO of Brunel Education added: “Brunel is truly excited about working with the Melksham community in this new chapter of Melksham House.
"Melksham House will provide a fabulous learning environment for some of our most disadvantaged children as they grow into active members of their community.
"We would welcome any contribution from the local community about how we can work together, Brunel and Melksham, doing it differently together.”
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