Plans for the construction of a new school for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have been passed by Hull City Council’s planning committee. The school will be built to the south of Inglemire Lane, near the University of Hull.
The school, dubbed the Willowfield Free School, will have a capacity of 125 pupil places and will create 100 full-time equivalent staff roles. A new access road will be established off Inglemire Lane to serve the site.
In addition to classrooms and specialist spaces, the site will also boast a hydrotherapy pool. The new school will allow more children from Hull with specialist needs to receive an education closer to home, meaning reduced travelling time for parents and children, better outcomes and reduced costs.
Documents submitted to the council during the planning process said: “The new school is designed to provide a coherent and efficient learning environment, with modern teaching spaces that prioritise functionality, inclusivity, and the needs of pupils and staff alike.”
Cllr Linda Tock, portfolio holder for Children’s Services at the council, said: “Every child in Hull is entitled to an education in an environment that enables them to maximise their learning, so it is pleasing that the plans for Willowfield SEND School have been approved.
“This is an exciting project that would go some way to providing much‑needed additional SEND provision in the city.
“It demonstrates the commitment both the council and Humber Education Trust (HET) have to driving forward inclusive practice and widening opportunities for children and young people with the most complex needs.”
Both the nearby Frederick Holmes School and Platform Daycare Centre will remain open throughout the construction of the new school. The plans were unanimously approved by the council’s planning committee. Subject to the Department for Education’s (DfE) final approval, construction works on land east of the existing Frederick Holmes School on Inglemire Lane will begin later this year.
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
