Future proposals to invest in Silverwood Chippenham and Trowbridge campuses to be discussed at cabinet

Proposals to develop both Silverwood Chippenham and Silverwood Trowbridge campuses, with a substantial investment from Wiltshire Council, to modernise and enhance the school campus sites, are to be discussed by council leaders on 13 December.

The proposals include removing some of the 'mobile' structures at Trowbridge, opening up and improving the outdoor learning space and upgrading many of the classrooms and facilities at a cost of around £3.6m. This would secure Chippenham and Trowbridge's long term future as Silverwood Special School campuses for up to 75 pupils per site.

The remodelling of the campuses will require a reduction in classroom and pupil numbers at both Trowbridge and Chippenham to meet Department for Education space standards. It is proposed that Chippenham and Trowbridge will provide primary age provision complemented by an all-through offer (reception to Sixth Form) at Silverwood Rowde. If the proposals are agreed, there will need to be a formal consultation on the proposed changes.

Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for SEND said: "We are investing in SEND places across Wiltshire and these proposals are part of that wider plan to ensure our school places for children and young people with SEND are great quality. We want SEND pupils to enjoy attending school in a first class learning environment which helps them to thrive.

"We will be discussing these proposals to retain the Trowbridge and Chippenham sites and bring them down to more acceptable levels of numbers to prevent overcrowding. If these proposals are agreed, we will consult with parents every step of the way and will be asking for their views on the changes to numbers and changes for Trowbridge and Chippenham to be a primary aged pupil site in the new year. We know our SEND numbers are increasing year on year and all across Wiltshire we have been making plans to invest. This is a key part of the plan. Meanwhile we continue to invest in Silverwood Rowde campus to provide a high quality provision for 350 pupils by September 2023."

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children's Services added: "We are looking to the future to ensure our pupils with SEND can enjoy their school environment and have resources they need. These proposals are part of our wider commitment to providing sufficient SEND school places across Wiltshire and ensuring all pupils have equal access to opportunities both at school and into the future."

Ensuring growth in special school capacity is a long-term priority for Wiltshire Council and aligns with a number of Business Plan aims including to protect those who are most vulnerable and ensure that children and young people with SEND can have the best education and support, provided in good quality estate and ensuring that special education provision in Wiltshire is equitably provided.

The provision of additional special school places is part of a strategic approach to provide enough places. To meet increasing demand for SEND provision, Wiltshire Council has plans to increase special school places; create more resource bases in both primary and secondary schools; and offer enhanced support for mainstream provision across all age groups.