New Nursery And Expanded SEND Unit Approved For RJ Mitchell Primary School
A new school-based nursery and an expansion of specialist SEND provision have been approved for RJ Mitchell Primary School in Elm Park.
Havering Council’s Cabinet approved the two projects at its meeting on Wednesday 16 September and agreed that a tendering process could begin.
The scheme will involve adapting and refurbishing space at the school to provide additional early-years and specialist places.
Councillors from across the political groups welcomed the extra provision, highlighting the strong demand for suitable local support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
An education officer told the meeting that increasing local provision could also help reduce delays during parts of the Education, Health and Care Plan process.
Where a parent names a preferred setting but no suitable place is available, the council may need to repeat the consultation process with another provider. Officers said having more places locally should help shorten that process for some families.
The expanded unit will be available to children from across Havering rather than operating solely as a neighbourhood or ward-based facility.
Placements will be determined through the council’s specialist panel. Officers said decisions must consider the individual child’s needs, the provision available and the needs of children already attending the unit.
Questions were raised about additional traffic around the school, which is covered by a School Street scheme. Officers confirmed that exemptions can apply to school staff, parents and carers of eligible children, and the council’s passenger transport service.
The school was originally built for two forms of entry and approximately 420 pupils but has since moved to one-form entry.
The council believes the new nursery and expanded SEND provision will make productive use of the available accommodation and contribute to the school’s long-term sustainability.
Cabinet also delegated authority to award the resulting contract once the procurement process has been completed.
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