Dear Parents/Carers,
I hope you are well.
I am writing to you to inform you of our plans to open a SEND resource base provision at Ormiston New Academy.
Whilst these are only initial plans and no final decision has been made, the purpose of creating a SEND resource base is to provide a specialist provision for children with a communication and interaction need, supporting the local authority with their plans to increase the number of SEND specialist places across the city.
Following initial discussions with the local authority, the provision would open during school time hours only in the first instance. Places will be offered on either a full-time or part-time basis. Once the consultation process is complete and outcome dependent, we will then be in a position to share further information on timelines, as and when these are confirmed. Please note, as we are still in the beginning stages, these arrangements are subject to change, but we will endeavor to keep you updated throughout.
We would encourage you to read through the proposal document accompanying this letter which is also available on the consultation website. However, I have outlined some of the key points from the document below on the leading benefits:
· An increased number of SEND students with a communication and interaction need will be able to access specialist provision
· We will be able to work with local primary schools to provide a seamless education for SEND children with a communication and interaction need
· We are supporting the local authority with their plan to create additional SEND specialist places across the city
We are committed to providing all our pupils with the very best opportunities, skills and experiences that they need in order to fulfil their potential. We believe that creating the best possible learning environment is essential in the achieving this. Every decision we make as a school is with your child’s and our communities’ best interests at heart and that is why we are exploring these initial plans with you.
We are now launching a formal consultation which will run for three weeks, Wednesday 5th June 2024-Wednesday 3rd July 2024. Feedback from our parents, carers and wider community, alongside colleagues, is incredibly valuable to us and so we are very keen to hear from a wide range of voices throughout our school community.
There will several opportunities to share your views, including through our consultation page on our website. We will also be hosting a face-to-face drop in on Wednesday 3rd July 3.30-4.30pm, where we can outline the proposal in more detail and answer any questions you may have. You can register for a place via [email protected].
Thank you once again for your ongoing support and we look forward to hearing your views. Should you have any specific questions about the proposed creation of the SEND base, please do not hesitate to get in touch at [email protected] or visit the consultation website https://onewa.co.uk/base-consultation.
Yours sincerely,
Craig Cooling
Principal
Ormiston NEW Academy