A new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) facility at Uppingham Community College has taken a step forward with the appointment of a developer to undertake the works.

Steele and Bray, which has been established since 1946 and undertaken a wide range of projects across the private and public sectors, has been selected after a competitive tender process.

Work to repurpose accessible areas of Uppingham Community College and transform it into a bespoke learning environment for children with SEND, is now expected to start in November.

Construction is being phased to ensure minimal disruption to children and young people at the school and to take advantage of key opportunities over the Christmas holidays, when pupils are not on site.

Ben Solly, Uppingham Community College Principal, said: "Our ambition to create a centre of excellence for SEND provision is soon to be realised.

"Up until now this project has been predominately plans and drawings and it will be excellent to see spades in the ground, as that means we will soon be providing a bespoke learning environment for children with SEND."

Councillor David Wilby, Cabinet Member for Rutland County Council, said: "We are thrilled the new SEND facility at Uppingham Community College is heading in the right direction and a developer is now in place to bring this excellent and much-needed facility forward.

"The new facility will enable children and young people with SEND to be part of an appropriately designed and supported mainstream educational environment, enabling its new students to build a strong future and lasting relationships with their peers."

The Government has committed £215 million of capital funding to help local authorities create new school places and improve existing facilities for children and young people with SEND, in consultation with parents and providers.

Rutland is to receive £848k between 2018 and 2021 to support the £700k capital project and other projects.