Sefton Council is taking the next step in its commitment to increasing local education provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Cabinet today agreed to progress plans for a new specialist school at the former Litherland Moss Primary School site and the neighbouring Sally Eccleston building.
Demand for specialist places in Sefton has grown significantly in recent years and although there is ongoing investment, the pace of demand has continued to exceed available capacity.
The redevelopment of the Litherland Moss site has now been identified as a major opportunity to expand high quality, in-borough provision.
A feasibility review has confirmed that the former school buildings, and the adjacent Sally Eccleston building, could be redeveloped to create a modern SEND facility. Early assessments suggest the site could provide places for more than 160 children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and complex needs.
Cabinet has approved funding from the Department for Education’s High Needs Provision Capital Allocation to develop an outline design. This will include the engagement of specialist architectural and technical partners, with detailed proposals brought back to Cabinet later this year.
In reviewing these options, the council’s priority will be the best outcomes for Sefton’s children and young people. With a key aim of the project will be to ensure more children can be educated closer to home. Many pupils currently travel out of borough to school.
Reducing these journeys will improve pupils’ wellbeing, support families, and strengthen community connections.
Expanding local SEND capacity is also expected to generate financial benefits by reducing the need for out of borough placements and associated transport costs. While the council continues to operate within national guidelines on Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficits, the development will help stabilise future expenditure.
Cllr Diane Roscoe, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, said:
“Improving SEND provision is one of the most important priorities for Sefton. This project represents a major step toward ensuring more of our children can access high quality, specialist education close to home. We are committed to working with families, schools, and partners as we progress these plans.”
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills and Deputy Leader, said: “As both ward councillor for Ford and Cabinet Member, I know how important this site is to our community and how much local families care about its future.
“We want to make sure that whatever comes next truly benefits the people who live here. Exploring all the options carefully is an important step in ensuring the site continues to play a positive role for our children, young people and the wider neighbourhood.”
Work will now begin on developing outline designs and exploring different delivery options. Public consultation will form a key part of the planning process as the project moves forward.
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