Location of Solihull’s new school with 150 places revealed

The chosen location of Solihull’s new 150 place special school has been revealed. 

The Department of Education (DofE) announced earlier this month the Midlands would be seeing four new special education needs schools open – with Solihull one of the places selected.

The DofE said Solihull’s school would receive 150 places for pupils aged five to 19. Initially no location was announced but at the recent Solihull Council meeting Councillor Karen Grinsell, the lead member for Children and Education, revealed Sans Souci Training Centre was the authority’s selected location.

The deputy leader mentioned the school within her report on the priorities for the year to the authority’s Children’s Services, Education and Skills Scrutiny Board.

Coun Grinsell said: “On our specialist provision – you will all have heard we have just had the acknowledgement and confirmation we are getting for another 150 place school. That is brilliant, that is huge for us. 

“Making sure that is nailed down (as a priority) – we know where the site is. That will be in development.”

The current venue in Tamworth Lane, Shirley, is used as a small training centre. When the 150 place school was originally announced, leader of the council, Ian Courts, said: “This is fantastic news for children and families across Solihull.

“Creating this free school will enable us to provide better opportunities for those with special educational needs and disabilities. 

“On a practical level it also means we will be able to educate more children nearer to their homes, so all round they should receive a better learning experience. Thank you to everyone who has worked hard in putting this bid together.” 

The DofE has said there will be competition for academy trusts to run the schools.

The scheme is part of the government’s plan to deliver 60,000 more special school places following investment of £105 million confirmed at this year’s spring budget. 

The planned 60,000 places is the largest ever expansion in capacity – following a decrease in pupils in special schools nationally from 1997 to 2010. 

Walsall, Hereford and Stoke-on-Trent were the other locations in the Midlands selected for the schools.

The board’s meeting was held at the Civic Suite on May 21.