£400k funding boost to kickstart south Leeds school expansion plan
Council chiefs approve £400k funding to kickstart Leeds school expansion plan.
Leeds City Council hopes to press ahead with the expansion of a special needs school after allocating £400,000 for initial work on the project.
Broomfield Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (SILC) in Belle Isle is set to get 100 extra places.
The project is expected to cost up to £25m in total and provide extra support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The school would be replaced with a bigger building to deliver the extra places from next year, the council said.
The initial funding will pay for planning and design work on the project
A council report said: “Approving authority to spend £400,000 on early works will allow the project to continue to progress on programme for delivery of the additional school places for September 2027.”
Planning permission for the scheme is yet to be approved after the Coal Authority raised concerns over its proximity to mine shafts.
The report said a ground survey was being carried out to resolve the objection and approval was expected at the end of May.
Places at the school would eventually increase from 190 to 280.
SILCs look after rising numbers children who have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
The report said: “Depending on their specific needs, pupils with EHCPs may attend mainstream or special schools.
“A need for additional SILC places has been identified in this area of Leeds both in terms of current and long-term future need.”