Cabinet to consider major investment to expand SEND places at Mill Green School

As part of the proposals, Cabinet will be asked to: 

• Note the allocation of £1,535,640 from the Department for Education's High Needs Provision Grant to fund the renovation of the former Parr Library, which will be converted into new specialist teaching spaces. 

   

• Approve £825,556 to extend the lease of modular classrooms currently in place at the school, ensuring there is sufficient capacity to meet demand while the library building is refurbished. 

   

• Approve the plan to permanently increase pupil numbers from 134 to 170 from the start of the academic year 2025/26, and to gradually increase them to 190 beyond from 2025/26.

   

• Agree to permanently increase pupil numbers from 134 to 170 from the start of the academic year 2025/26 and to gradually increase them to 190 beyond from 2025/26.   

The investment would form part of the council's wider SEND strategy to create high-quality, cost-effective, in-borough provision.  

Councillor Nova Charlton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:  

"This investment demonstrates our commitment, as a council, to meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND here in St Helens Borough. By expanding Mill Green School, we will not only increase local capacity but also provide modern, inclusive learning environments that reflect the voices of parents, carers and pupils.  

"These plans will ensure more children can thrive closer to home, while making the best use of our resources as a council working with you, for you, to deliver our number one priority of ensuring all children and young people have a positive start in life." 

The plans will be discussed by Cabinet on Wednesday, 3 September at 4:00pm in St Helens Town Hall, which can be watched via the webcast.

Read the full report here:   https://sthelens.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s171201/From%20EMB.pdf

ENDS