Twenty children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have started the new school year in classrooms better suited to their needs, following the expansion of provision at two Swindon primary schools.
Thanks to a £3.4m grant awarded to Swindon Borough Council earlier this year by the Department for Education, Eldene Nursery and Primary School and Robert Le Kyng Primary School have each opened new specialist places within their mainstream settings.
Eight new places have been created at Eldene, while Robert Le Kyng has introduced 12 places – providing more tailored support in inclusive environments.
The funding will go further still. In total, it is expected to enable up to 158 new SEND places across Swindon, building on the 60 places created in September 2024. The Council says work is continuing with schools to expand provision and adapt existing facilities, with Mountford Manor Primary and Oaktree Nursery and Primary School next in line for new places later this year.
Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, Cabinet Member for Education, welcomed the expansion:
“I’m absolutely delighted to see the new provision at Eldene and Robert Le Kyng. These 20 specialist places will make a real difference for local families. As Swindon continues to grow, so too must our investment in specialist provision. This expansion is part of our ongoing mission to build a fairer Swindon, where every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
At Robert Le Kyng, Headteacher Susan Smith described how the school’s new specialist space – known as The Huddle – is already having an impact:
“It has been lovely to see the children enter The Huddle relaxed, happy and therefore ready to learn. The communication and friendly environment, along with the high adult-to-child ratio, allows the children to make their wants and needs known in their chosen manner.”
For families across the Borough, the move marks another important step towards ensuring children with additional needs can learn, grow, and belong within supportive and inclusive school communities.
