Specialist provision for pupils in pipeline

Bradford Council’s executive will be asked to give approval for the publication of Statutory Notices on plans to develop a Designated Specialist Provision (DSP) at Crossflatts Primary School, Bingley, when it meets tomorrow. This alerts interested parties across the country to the proposals and gives them an opportunity to comment.

The first stage of the process was a widespread local consultation on the plans which involve developing specialist provision which, if agreed, would be set up and staffed within the school by November 2013.

It comes in response to increased demand for specialist provision in the Keighley and Bingley area and also to meet the needs of Bradford’s rising school population.

There is already provision at secondary level for such pupils and students at The Holy Family Catholic School which has places for 14 students. The primary provision will start with two pupils which is expected to rise to 12 by 2018/19.

According to a report to be considered by the executive, Crossflatts Primary would become part of a family of schools in the district which share effective practice and resources.

Councillor Ralph Berry, the council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “The new ways of working among schools with Designated Specialist Provision is very welcome and is leading to the sharing of resources and effective practice which can only be good for the children and young people involved. The development of a DSP at Crossflatts Primary will mean provision is more evenly spread across the district. It will also add another school to the network of schools with DSP who work well together to improve education outcomes for children with special needs.”