Plans for a new specialist school in Hull for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have been passed at Planning Committee.
The Willowfield Free school will cater for 125 pupils with severe physical and/or learning difficulties, whilst also creating up to 100 full‑time equivalent jobs.
The new school will allow more children from Hull with specialist needs to receive an education closer to home, meaning reduced travelling time for parents and children, better outcomes and reduced costs.
Willowfield’s low‑carbon design includes a mixture of classrooms, specialist teaching and therapy spaces, plus a hydrotherapy pool.
The school will feature a new dedicated vehicle and pedestrian access from Inglemire Lane and new parking provision to include accessible spaces, electric vehicle charging and a minibus drop‑off area, all within the site. The site will also benefit from new hard and soft play areas and landscaping.
Willowfield SEND Free School will be delivered by Hull City Council in partnership with Hull Esteem LEP, with funding from the Department for Education.
Cllr Linda Tock, portfolio holder for Children’s Services at the council, said: “Every child in Hull is entitled to an education in an environment that enables them to maximise their learning, so it is pleasing that the plans for Willowfield SEND School have been approved.
“This is an exciting project that would go some way to providing much‑needed additional SEND provision in the city.
“It demonstrates the commitment both the council and Humber Education Trust (HET) have to driving forward inclusive practice and widening opportunities for children and young people with the most complex needs.”
By working closely together, both the council and HET are committed to driving forward inclusive practice, widening opportunity and ensuring that children and young people with the most complex needs are educated in environments designed to help them thrive.
Both Frederick Holmes School and Platform Daycare Centre will remain open throughout the construction phase.
Subject to the Department for Education final approval, construction works on land east of the existing Frederick Holmes School on Inglemire Lane will begin later this year.
Discover more on Hull’s SEND offer, including open consultations for parents and carers, as wel as for school staff Home – Hull SEND Local Offer.