Herefordshire Council is considering develoing a proposal to commission a special educational needs (SEN) free school for young people aged 16-19 years old.

The new school would be on the site that was previously Broadlands Primary School site Hereford.

A new free school for these learners would provide an opportunity for efficient and effective transition to post 19 support. To give SEN young people the maximum chance to develop independent self-supported lifestyles.

Herefordshire is the fourth most sparsely populated Local Authority (LA) in England, and as such, the proposed free school would not attract large numbers of learners from neighbouring LAs, however, it may provide future attractive opportunities for young people with SEN in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire Powys and Shropshire. Initial discussions with these LAs suggest that all four of these LAs would be interested in commissioning places in principle.

In line with other local authorities Herefordshire has seen an increase in numbers of young people with the most severe and complex learning disabilities and the forecasting suggests that this will increase by a further 30 places over the next 10 years. A new special school would absorb some of those who are currently placed where there is all-through provision, and capacity to organise and deliver suitable curriculum and learning opportunities for the age group is limited.

The free special school would be a focal point supporting inclusion of young people into the adjacent colleges through time out facilities, advice and support for staff and multi-agency facilities.