Following a statutory consultation, approval was given by the Council's Executive Board to progress with the capital works to increase the number of Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) places at Ashley School in Widnes, from 112 to 152, through a proposal to build four additional classrooms at the school (subject to planning permission).
The responses to the consultation were overwhelmingly in support of the proposals
The decision has been made to proceed with the expansion of provision to ensure that wherever possible children and young people can be educated in local specialist educational provision within Halton which in turn helps to reduce expensive out-borough placement and transport costs, and meet specialist need more locally within Halton.
The programme of works and expansion of provision will also support the SEND strategic plan to increase sufficiency of inclusive, educational provision in borough. Expanding the in borough offer will also support children and young people with SEND to achieve their aspirations and achieve strong outcomes, fulfilling their potential.
High Needs Provision Capital funding from the Department for Education will be used to provide the facilities required for the new provision and the revenue costs of the new provision will be met from the High Needs budget.
Development will now begin so that the new provision can be available within the 2026/27 Academic Year.