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Isle Of Wight Council To Increase Support Provisions For Children With Special Education Needs And Disabilities

  • Writer: Dominic Kureen
    Dominic Kureen
  • 4 hours ago
  • 2 min read

The Isle of Wight Council is seeking to expand its SEND provisions across the Island.


The proposed additional SEND provision will help manage an increase in the number of children (with an education health and care plan (EHCP)) and ensure we are able to meet the needs of children requiring specialist provision).


The proposed programme seeks to provide specialist education placement for additional children from September 2025 and beyond.


Subject to approval from Cabinet on Thursday 24 April, a consultation period will begin on Friday 2 May and will run until Monday 9 June 2025.


This report, being presented to Cabinet seeks approval to consult on the following expansion of places:


  • Expansion of places at Medina House School from 138 places to 168, with 30 places being provided at a satellite provision located at the site of the former Chillerton & Rookley Primary School, Chillerton IOW.

  • Expansion of the resourced provision at Hunnyhill Primary School from 8 places to 12 places for children for Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH).

  • Expansion of the resourced provision at Brading CE Primary School from 8 places to 12 places for children with Autism Spectrum (AS) and/or Complex Learning.

  • Expansion of the resourced provision at The Bay CE Primary School (Secondary site) from 15 places to 20 places for children with Autism Spectrum (AS).

  • Expansion of Lionheart School from 60 places to 120 places, with 60 places for children with complex high anxiety mental health (Non- EHCP/Section 19 children) being provided at the Cowes Primary School site, Cowes (subject to closure on the 31/8/2025).

  • Expansion of St Georges School from 208 places to 228 places, with 40 places being provided at the satellite site located in East Cowes.

  • Creation of a new 12 place primary resourced provision at Brighstone CE Primary School for children with Autism Spectrum (AS) and/or Speech Language Communication Need (SLCN).


Ashley Whittaker, Strategic Director of Children’s Services said:

‘‘The additional SEND places are essential for us to develop and improve our education offering across the Island.
"Contrary to the declining birth rate, the Island has seen a significant growth in the need for additional special educational needs provision.
‘‘Without adequate support, children with SEND may struggle to access the curriculum, leading to gaps in their learning and development.
"This can result in lower academic achievement and hinder their ability to develop essential life skills.''

Should we move ahead to consultation the notices will be published on Friday 2 May.


The consultation will then be accessible online Island Education plans and policies.


Details of the consultation are to be shared with all schools across the Island to ensure a full engagement in the process and meetings held at all schools named.

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