Cabinet also agreed to seek views on plans for a special educational needs and disabilities unit at Whitfield St James’ CE (VC) School.
Councillors heard that the school operates an inclusive ethos and already supports pupils aged 5 to 11 who have an education, health and care plan in an enhanced resource school-type setting.
Children with development delay or autism attend the enhanced resource school (ERS), known as the Sunflower Room, at the Chadwick Street school.
Youngsters aged 5 to 7 learn in the school’s specialist SEND base called the Bluebell Room and may then transfer to the ERS or, where appropriate, another special school at key stage 2.
The report to Cabinet said that in order to designate the 2 SEND provisions we must publish a statutory notice to seek people’s views.
Councillor Simon Mabbott, Cabinet Member for SEND and Education, said:
“The positive atmosphere and excellent support provided by all staff to children with special educational needs means this school is highly regarded by parents.
“By agreeing to go through this legal process, we’re opening the door for the school to make the arrangements official which means it can plan for the training and development of its staff to pave the way for even more children to thrive there.”
The consultation will run from 19 January to 15 February 2026. Read the report which is item 9 on the Cabinet meeting agenda for 12 January 2026.