Proposal to extend capacity of another Derby special school

Published: 4 July 2023

A Derby special school will be able to accept a greater number of pupils under proposals to increase its provision. Plans are in place to create 20 extra places at Kingsmead Special School and extend the age range of pupils from seven to 18 years, rather than the current 11-16 years.

The proposal, which will be discussed by Derby City Council’s Cabinet on 12 July, is part of Derby City Council’s SEND Strategy and Vision, ‘Living My Best Life’. The strategy aims to strengthen the offer that young people and their families receive by providing the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

Through careful consideration of local Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) data, it has been identified that there is a growing need for Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) provision in the city. The proposed additional specialist places will increase opportunities for children and young people with SEND to attend a local school.

The proposal would create 20 primary places in Years 5 and 6, meaning there would be a total of 110 places at the school. Up to five post-16 places would also be provided on a personalised, individual basis. The school’s governing body, in conjunction with the Council, has consulted pupils, parents, staff and school leaders regarding the plans.

Councillor John Whitby, Derby City Council Cabinet member for Children’s Social Care, Learning and Skills, said:

This is an exciting plan which, if approved, would mean more children could access the education they need within their own community, close to their family and friends, and reduce the need for placements outside the area.

It is part of a much wider strategy to increase Derby’s capacity to meet the needs of children with SEND to give them every opportunity to live their best life.

Kingsmead Special School has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted since May 2016. At a recent inspection, pupils told inspectors that they are welcomed and supported ‘even if they are having a bad day’ and the school’s guiding principle that ‘every day is a fresh start’ allows them to set aside previous experiences of education.

They said feel safe at school and display a ‘deep, genuine respect for each other’s challenges and differences’. They also found that they ‘feel free to express their emotions and beliefs, sometimes for the first time at a school’.

More special school places have already been created in Derby as a result of expansion at St Giles, Ivy House, St Andrew’s and St Martin’s schools, while 35 additional places will be created with the rebuild of St Clare’s School, which was recently judged outstanding by Ofsted.

For more information about Derby’s SEND Local Offer see the Derby City Council website.

Children, Education, Young people