More School Places for Children with Special Needs

More children with additional needs will be able to go to school in South Tyneside from this September.

The governing body of Keelman’s Way School – which caters for children with learning disabilities between the ages of two and 19 – is to create a ‘satellite site’ at the former South Shields School, enabling a further 16 students to receive their schooling within the Borough.

Epinay School is also based on the same site but the new provision will be completely separate.

Councillor Jane Carter, Lead Member for Education and Skills, said: “I am delighted that the statutory consultation is now complete and that we received no objections. This scheme which will make a huge difference to some of our families with children with additional needs.

“The move means that from the start of the new school year, more of our children with special needs will be able to receive their education within South Tyneside which is such good news.

“We are committed to helping all our residents stay healthy and well and this scheme demonstrates that we are delivering on this ambition.”

The news also means that the Council can reduce the number of lengthy home to school journeys, thereby supporting the Council’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030.