Sheffield Council working to provide additional special school places for September despite pandemic

The authority said that 50 post-16 places will be provided for pupils at Talbot Specialist School, on Lees Hall Road, and Seven Hills School, on Granville Road, in September using Learn Sheffield buildings as it is relocating.

But at Bents Green Special School, on Ringinglow Road, plans to expand the existing site have been delayed because of Covid-19.

The additional 42 places for Year 7 students, which have been agreed to start this September, will now be accommodated on a second school site where Gleadless Nursery and Infants School was previously based.

Year 7 pupils will attend the main site while the Year 11s, and some Post-16 pupils, will move to the site in Gleadless.

There may also be some delays in the construction of a new special school – which is due to open in September 2021 in the Norfolk Park area – and the council is looking at alternative options.

Coun Abtisam Mohammed, cabinet member for Education and Skills said: “The demand for special school places, for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) continues to grow in Sheffield, and we are working hard despite the difficulties of Covid-19 to expand the number of places available.

“Some plans have had to be slightly changed so we can meet everyone’s needs so if anyone has any concerns about their child’s place in September please do not hesitate to contact me.”

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