Now a project to increase capacity at Hexham’s Priory School is part of the measures being taken by Northumberland County Council to address the increase in demand and ensure pupils are not forced into education outside of the county.
At Tuesday’s meeting of the cabinet, councillors discussed the outcomes of a consultation on the special educational needs and disability (SEND) strategy and capacity, as well as agreeing some next steps to tackle the pressure on places.
In total, 6,493 children – or 14 per cent of the entire school population – are classified as having special educational needs.
Coun. Wayne Daley, the cabinet member for children’s services, said one option was to create 82 immediate places between Hexham Priory and a school in Ashington.
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