Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet has approved £28.6 million in funding for two new education projects: an all-age special school in Rugeley and a primary Pupil Referral Unit in Stafford.
The new special school would be built on the former Hagley Park Academy site in Rugeley. It would support primary and secondary aged children who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs and Autism Spectrum Condition.
Once fully open, the school would provide around 180 places and is expected to open in September 2029.
Funding and Purpose
Both projects will be funded through the government's "High Needs Provision Capital Allocation" (HNPCA) grant. The council says the new school would help meet growing need for specialist education in Staffordshire and allow more children to attend school closer to home instead of travelling further afield.
Consultation Underway
An initial consultation on the new special school is open and closes on Friday 17 July. Families are being invited to have their say to shape the plans.
Stafford Pupil Referral Unit
The funding will also support a new primary Pupil Referral Unit in Stafford, providing up to 16 places for children who need extra support to help them return to mainstream education where appropriate.
Janet Higgins, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND at Staffordshire County Council, said the projects are part of the council's work to create more local education places for children and young people with SEND and those who need alternative provision.