A SIX-FIGURE expansion to a Barnsley school will create ten new places for children with special educational needs or disabilities.

The development will take place at Springwood Primary Academy, Hoyland, and will see £137,150 set aside from the Department for Education’s Special Provision Fund to make adaptations for up to ten children aged five to 11 with complex needs.

The changes, expected to take place from April, are part of Barnsley Council’s strategy for supporting SEND children to access local mainstream and special schools.

Coun Margaret Bruff, cabinet spokesman for children’s services, said: “Wherever possible, children and young people should expect to have their needs met in their chosen mainstream school, so that they can be educated with their peers, in their local community.

“This expansion at Hoyland Springwood Primary Academy will enable children with SEND to access the educational and social benefits of a mainstream school, allowing them, with support, to develop their independence and enjoy a successful transition to adulthood.”

A maximum of £250,000 will be made available to Springwood Primary Academy, run by the Every Child Matters Academy Trust, to support the school in offering its SEND provision.

William Ward, chairman of the trust, said: “Every Child Matters Academy Trust and Hoyland Springwood Primary school welcome this exciting new joint venture with Barnsley Council. 

“The expansion of the school will complement the already excellent education provided for all pupils, including those with SEND.

“Working closely with the local authority we have been able to further build the ethos of the school and Trust that every child really does matter and deserves the best education possible.”