There is a divide in communities over Sheffield City Council and Barnsley Council’s change of plans to boost SEND provisions.
Collin Bulmer, Senior Manager at Burton Street Foundation, showing support for the new plans, said: “Children that have learning difficulties often don’t really want to learn about algebra or what the capital of France is. They want to learn about how to manage the social aspects of life.
“Sometimes children may miss the social aspect of school and then as they become an adult they may come here and it’s obvious they need one to one attention so we offer them the support.”
The Burton Street Foundation provides disability services and community facilities across Sheffield, offering creative sessions that are designed to help self-confidence and expression for those with learning difficulties.
On 23 February decisions will be finalised by Sheffield City Council about accepting over £9m high needs capital funding from the Department of Education.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “We want every child to be able to learn and thrive in the right environment with the right facilities that meet their needs.
“This is a decision driven by what Sheffield’s children need. That is high-quality support, delivered locally, and rooted in a sense of belonging.”
However, some communities have been critical of this decision, suggesting that the free SEND schools may have been the superior option in providing support for SEND children.
Jonathan Wainwright, founder of The Barnsley SEND Parent and Carer Alliance Facebook group, said: “We are seeing much more of an increase in that type of child who is very classically autistic. What concerns me is that we are not really giving those children a place to have an identity.
“When I talk about this school (the free SEND school) and the importance of this school, it’s for those autistic children that are like my son. We’re not giving them a place to have an identity.”
The council have stated that they aim to introduce new alternative provision hubs whilst expanding existing special schools ensuring that SEN children receive the right support in their own community.
Councillor Dawn Dale, Chair of the Education, Children and Families Policy Committee, said: “This is a meaningful step forward for families who have told us they want more support, and we are determined to deliver it.”