Plans to create additional school places for SEND pupils to go before councillors next week

The planning application, submitted for Silverwood School at its Rowde campus, intends to extend the existing campus to provide a high quality provision for 350 pupils by September 2023, if agreed at the Strategic Planning Committee on 6 October. A further phase of the programme would deliver 50 more places for Silverwood by September 2024.

The proposals include creating a 'school within a school' feel with a community of small teaching clusters that will provide a range of specialist teaching spaces, therapeutic support, and quiet dining. Also planned is a hydrotherapy pool, a new all-weather sport pitch, new playing fields, landscaping, and ecological enhancements.

The designs were informed by feedback from a series of workshops and online meetings with the school community, local people, families and staff.

Cllr Jane Davies Cabinet Member for SEND said: "These plans will create the additional spaces needed to ensure SEND pupils can be educated in Wiltshire and enjoy learning close to home. This application is part of a wider programme across Wiltshire to ensure we have sufficient space and education for all SEND pupils."