Isle schools to share £150k of funding

North Lincolnshire Council allocated £150,000 for all mainstream schools and academies across the area to support SEND pupils.

The schools that have been allocated funding include The Axholme Academy in Crowle that will receive £15,000 to develop inclusive changing and toilet facilities.

Staff at Westwoodside Academy are also celebrating after receiving £12,500 to develop a sensory hub.

Councillor David Rose, cabinet member for Children, Learning and Families, said: “We invited all schools and academies in North Lincolnshire to bid for a share of the funding. It aims to give schools additional support to help children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

“All pupils have differing needs so it is important that this is recognised. Using this funding, schools will be able to address the needs of pupils with SEND and create bespoke facilities to ensure they reach their full potential.”

Each school could bid for up to £15,000.

In their bids, schools explained the project they were seeking funding for and the impact it would have on the children and young people within their school.

Councillor Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said the cash would make a real difference for pupils.

He added: “We prioritise £150,000 for schools and academies in North Lincolnshire to ensure that children and young people with special education needs and disabilities receive the best support.

“The changes being made in the schools will make a real difference for pupils and their education. Having an area for SEND pupils to go to or breakaway from the main school will be very beneficial and help develop their learning. We are continuing to invest in children here in North Lincolnshire as they are a real priority for us.

“In our latest SEND All Our Children Annual Report 2016/17 it shows significant improvements in education outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities have been made in North Lincolnshire. The funding for schools will further strengthen this.”

The council’s North Lincolnshire Local Offer website provides information on a range of provision and support available to families locally. If you are a parent or carer of a child with special educational needs or disabilities, go to http://www.northlincslocaloffer.com for more information.