We have launched a consultation on plans to create a new Special Educational Needs (SEND) school in Rayleigh.
This will increase the number of SEND places available to young people in south Essex.
We have been working with Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, to identify a suitable site and funding to create the new school.
Positive progress has been made and a site has now been identified off Rawreth Lane at the Wolsey Park development.
Subject to the outcome of the consultation, the school would cater for pupils from the ages of three to 18.
Construction could start in spring 2025. The new school could open to its first pupils in the 2025/26 academic year.
We will fund the new school alongside contributions from major housing developments in the local area.
Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said:
We are committed to helping all children in Essex get the best possible start in life. This includes providing access to excellent education in mainstream or special schools.
We know demand for special needs places in South Essex currently outstrips supply, so this exciting new school is specifically designed to help meet this pressing need.
We now want to hear from the local community about the proposals and I would urge residents to have their say during the consultation."
Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, said:
We do not currently have a special needs school anywhere in the Rochford District, so creating this new school in Rayleigh, should help to meet that vital, local need.
I launched this campaign after meeting many frustrated parents at my constituency surgeries, who were desperate for a special needs place for their child but could not obtain one.
I would like to commend Essex County Council for all their proactive endeavours on this project and I hope we will now receive a very positive response to the consultation, over the next few weeks, so the school can then open next academic year."
Take part in the consultation before Friday 5 April.
