Plans have been submitted for the development of a new facility to enable children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to be educated locally at Uppingham Community College.

The new facility, which is to be developed as part of a partnership between the college and Rutland County Council, will provide a bespoke learning environment for children with specific SEND requirements.

Local authorities have a statutory responsibility to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities and to ensure sufficient good school places for all pupils, including those with SEND.

Currently, a number of Rutland children and young people with SEND attend schools outside the county.

It is intended that the new school facility will provide places for up to 10 young people who have communication and interaction needs, including those on the autistic spectrum, which will enable them to live, be educated and grow with independence within their community.

Rutland is to receive £848k capital from the Government between 2018 and 2021 to support the £700k capital project and other projects for children with SEND.