This initiative aims to meet the increasing demand for Special Educational Needs (SEN) places, bringing us closer to ensuring local children with additional needs receive the education they deserve.
The expansion of SEN provision at Ivel Valley School, subject to a public consultation, seeks to strengthen our ability to offer local, high-quality SEN education. This will reduce reliance on out-of-area placements, ensure families receive support closer to home, and allow vulnerable children to benefit from easier daily journeys to school.
Following viability studies and extensive discussions with the school and stakeholders, the Executive Committee approved on April 1st a consultation on a preferred option. This option includes transforming existing buildings, constructing new buildings, and developing outdoor spaces, which will:
- deliver within the agreed budget for special school places
- increase capacity at Ivel Valley School to 330 places
- ensure high-quality learning spaces while optimizing available resources
- be completed within a realistic timeframe, with delivery expected in early 2029
Councillor Steve Owen, Executive Member for Children's Services and Community Safety, said:
We are pleased to be delivering on our commitment to find a clear and achievable solution to provide additional SEN places at Ivel Valley. Our preferred option will ensure we meet the needs of local children while maintaining financial responsibility. This decision will benefit children at Ivel Valley School and provide further SEN places across Central Bedfordshire. It’s important that we now consult the school, families, and local residents on these proposals. We will announce details of the public consultation in due course.