The former Woodfield Community Primary School in Bilton will become a new special school for children with autism, councillors have confirmed.
Councillors agree to create new school for autistic children in Harrogate The former Woodfield Community Primary School in Bilton will become a new special school for children with autism, councillors have confirmed. Councillors on North Yorkshire Council’s Conservative-run executive unanimously approved the creation of the school, which will cater for up to 80 students with autism and is set to open in September 2024. The results of a consultation held over the summer revealed considerable support with 86% of 105 responses in favour. The council has pledged a £3.5m investment into creating the school. The meeting was held at the Civic Centre in Harrogate — the first time a North Yorkshire Council executive meeting has taken place outside of Northallerton. Conservative councillor for Killinghall, Hampsthwaite & Saltergate, Michael Harrison, said the council was doing a “wonderful thing” by opening the school, which he said would help meet a demand for special educational needs (SEN) places locally. Cllr Harrison said:
“Our commitment to education in the area and at that site specifically, and for children with autism, is evidenced in that we are proposing to reopen a school on that site so soon after Woodfield closed.”Since 2016, the number of children in North Yorkshire with identified special educational needs and disability and a legally-binding education, health and care plan has increased by more than 110%, leading to a shortage of special school places and numerous children being taught by independent providers. As independent day sector placements typically cost the public purse up to £70,000 annually and the average cost of a special school placement is about £23,000. Conservative councillor Bilton & Nidd Gorge, Paul Haslam said he “very much welcomed” the proposals and has already heard from parents in the area who are interested in sending their children to the new school. The Woodfield site also includes large playing fields and Cllr Haslam called on the council to allow them to be used by the local community in Bilton. Cllr Haslam said:
“I wondered whether we can consider making the playing fields dual access with seperate changing rooms so the community can also have access when it’s not in use by school. "It’s more benefit for my area which has a lot of outdoor space but no playing fields. It could also create additional revenue for the school.”By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
King Charles makes surprise visit to Knaresborough Castle
Knaresborough paddling pool to remain closed due to safety concerns
First shirt reveal for Harrogate Town ahead of new season
Fourth Your Harrogate and Fat Badger golf day raises £12,600 for charity
Yorkshire Water hails decision to ban plastic wet wipes
Dishforth housing scheme could "reduce quality of life", councillors warned
Ripon Man who brutally assaulted women jailed
New Knaresborough startup aiming to cut cardboard waste across Yorkshire
New psychology clinic offering mental health support to open in Knaresborough
Harrogate MP blasts 'unswimmable' bathing sites amid hot weather
Fairground rides return to Valley Gardens for half term
Six teenage boys arrested after 'violent incident' in Harrogate
Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week
Police appeal after hit-and-run on Knaresborough High Street
Harrogate Town announce signing of Chesterfield midfielder
Free Fuel Friday: Another winner scoops free tank of fuel
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire
Harrogate primary school takes climate education to national stage
Historic village pub enjoys successful reopening under new ownership
Masham primary school unveils newly refurbished library
