A total of 48 new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) places will be available in Swindon primary schools by September 2026 as part of a wider programme to expand specialist education support.
With the backing of Swindon Borough Council, a new specialist unit at Oaktree Nursery and Primary School is already operational, providing 24 dedicated SEND places.
The project included a £500,000 investment to convert a previously unused building into a purpose-built learning space.
Specialist Facilities for Pupils
The new provision at Oaktree includes facilities designed to support children with complex needs, including:
-
A specialist sensory room
-
A dedicated play park
-
Tailored teaching spaces
Another 24 SEND places have also been created at Mountford Manor Primary School, expanding specialist support available to local families.
Wider SEND Investment Across the Borough
The new places form part of a wider programme funded through a £3.4 million grant from the Department for Education.
In February 2025, council cabinet members approved plans to use the funding to expand specialist provision and develop new Complex Needs Units in both primary and secondary schools.
In total, the programme aims to create 158 new SEND places across the borough.
Last year, 20 additional specialist places were also opened at Eldene Nursery and Primary School and Robert Le Kyng Primary School, helping more children access tailored support within mainstream school settings.
Council Leaders Visit New Unit
To mark the progress of the programme, council leader Jim Robbins and Cabinet Member for Education Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh visited Oaktree Primary on 12 March.
Cllr Amaral-Shaikh said ensuring children receive the support they need is a priority.
“Ensuring every child in Swindon has access to the support they need to thrive is one of our top priorities,” she said.
“The investment at Oaktree and Mountford Manor Primary Schools means more families will benefit from high-quality, specialist education in their community.”
Council leader Jim Robbins added the new facilities are already making a difference.
“The £500,000 funding here, alongside the wider £3.4m programme, is helping us create high-quality, inclusive places in Swindon.”
Commitment to Inclusive Education
Gary Evans, CEO of The Blue Kite Academy Trust, which runs Oaktree and Robert Le Kyng Primary Schools, said the new units represent a major step forward for inclusive education.
He said the facilities will allow schools to provide specialist support while ensuring pupils remain connected with the wider school community.
