Dec 15, 2024, Swindon Advertiser: New teaching campus for Swindon youngsters officially opens
S. England
A new campus for Swindon youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities has officially opened.
The Links Campus, part of Churchward School, provides education for children and young people requiring varying levels of support.
It was established in part due to Swindon Borough Council's initiative to create 35 new places for SEND students. . . .
The council's initiative to create additional SEND places is part of its broader effort to ensure Swindon's young people receive the specialist support they need throughout their education.
An additional 60 places were created at the start of the academic year, with more primary school places planned for January and September 2025.
Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for education, said: "The work at Churchward School is a fantastic example of how young people can thrive given the right support and learning environment. . . .
" She also emphasised the council's commitment to developing plans for a new special school in Swindon, using additional funding secured earlier this year. . . .
Mr Dearsley, headteacher at Churchward School, said: "The pressure for places at Churchward School is growing year on year.
"Having opened in 2018 with 20 students, we now have 125 students on roll, and the demand continues to far exceed the places available."
He highlighted the collaboration with the local authority and UTC Swindon, which allowed them to expand this academic year to meet some of the demand. . . .
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