NEW PRIMARY FREE SCHOOL APPROVED FOR SALFORD

The Department for Education (DfE) has approved a new primary free school to be built in Salford. The decision has been confirmed following a Salford City Council bid last year outlining the need for the new provision in the city.

Gaining approval for a new free school in the city is part of the council’s strategy for the DfE. This was in response to a growing need to enable more young people to be educated in the city, rather than having to travel out of the area to get the support they need.

Free schools are a type of academy. Like academies they are operated by a multi academy trust. The plan will see this new school welcoming and supporting children aged 4  to 11 years old who have complex educational needs. It will complement the existing range of special schools and additionally resourced schools that already exist in Salford but will offer parents a broader choice for their children. It is expected the school will prioritise supporting children with autism and focus on communication and interaction.

Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services said:

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“This really is positive news for the children and parents of our city. Our population has grown rapidly in recent years and continues to do so. A new primary special school will be an important part of helping us manage the help families need in Salford.

“This is the start of a long process. We can now start working to find a suitable location and an academy trust partner to deliver and bring this new school to life. More children will be able to have their special educational needs met in the city, instead of having to travel to special schools out of area.”