Frequently Asked Questions - proposed changes to Ivel Valley School

Why was the consultation paused?

We paused the consultation in October 2025 to make sure everyone is responding on the basis of the same information. Information has been shared online that presents the proposals differently from the Council’s consultation documents. To protect fairness and transparency, we wanted to clarify any misunderstandings before resuming or restarting the consultation.

Is the Council trying to restrict responses?

No. We want everyone to be able to express their view through the consultation. The Council’s duty is to ensure that all respondents can make informed responses based on clear and consistent information.

Why can the Council identify a preferred option?

As the decision-making body, the Council is permitted to publish a preferred option as part of a consultation. This is a legitimate and necessary aspect of the democratic process. The Council must also present other realistic alternatives and sufficient information to allow consultees to respond meaningfully. This ensures that there is clarity that proposals remain in a formative stage and that the Council can consider views on all options before making a final decision.

Are all options educationally suitable?

Yes. All options have been designed by experienced architects to meet Department for Education Building Bulletin 104 (BB104) standards, which means they are defined by DfE standards for designing schools for children with SEND. Differences relate to location, layout and site configuration and delivery, but all options meet the required educational standards.

Is the £66 million estimate inaccurate?

All costs are estimates at this stage. The estimate is appropriate for the current design stage and has been verified by independent specialists against national benchmarks.

Option 4 was described as "outdated and unfunded” what does this mean?

This refers to the option no longer being the Council’s preferred option, this is in part because the Council does not have the money to fund the option, and a different option which is significantly less expensive can deliver the same outcomes.

Will refurbishment ‘downgrade’ parts of the school?

No. Refurbishment affects 12 classrooms being turned into six new larger classrooms and involves stripping to the structural frame and rebuilding to modern BB104 standards defined by DfE standards for designing schools for children with SEND. No areas will be downgraded; more than 20 classrooms will be newly built classrooms.

Is the Stratton Farm site at risk?

No. Stratton Farm is held in the Council’s freehold. Stratton Upper School, the tenant, supports the proposal.

Will the options that include a public footpath or a split site be unsafe?

No. Safeguarding will be designed in, including secure fencing, enclosed routes and supervised crossings where required. Final arrangements will be agreed with the school and the highways experts at the next stage after this consultation.

Will there be major disruption during construction?

Construction on site where the school is open will be phased to minimise impact, with secure segregation, holiday working and noise controls. A detailed construction management plan will be developed with the school at a later stage.

What about traffic and parking?

All options improve the current arrangements by moving traffic on-site and providing dedicated drop-off/pick-up areas. Access will be agreed with the highways experts at the next stage, after this consultation.

Are key facilities missing (sports hall, dining, specialist rooms)?

No. All essential facilities required by BB104 DfE standards are included. Detailed layouts will be finalised during the next stage of design, after this consultation.

Has the Council planned for future growth in SEND?

Yes. The Council’s SEND Strategy and Specialist School Place Plan model future demand, including growth associated with major housing developments.

What will happen to responses already submitted?

All responses already submitted will remain valid, so there is no requirement to resubmit them.

What are the next steps?

All feedback will be reviewed by our Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee once the consultation closes on Thursday 22 January 2026, and then our Executive Committee before deciding which option to progress.

A second, statutory, consultation will follow, with more detail on the proposed option, before a final decision expected in summer 2026.

Any option that is chosen will be subject to planning regulations and a separate planning consultation will take place on the design and include aspects such as traffic arrangements. It will be at this stage that a decision will be made on when any building works would begin.

Why does Ivel Valley need to change?

It’s full. There’s been a huge rise in children needing specialist education, and the school is running out of space. Some buildings are temporary or not fit for purpose.

What is being proposed?

Six options are being considered, including refurbishing the current site, building a new one elsewhere, or doing nothing. The preferred option is to expand and upgrade the existing school.

How will pupils be affected during works?

Construction will be phased to minimise disruption. Most noisy works will happen in school holidays. Pupils can stay in place while improvements are made.

How is this being paid for?

We have a budget for all Specialist School and Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP) places as set out below. Ivel Valley needs to be funded from within this budget, alongside the building of all other Specialist School and ARP places. We presently have a requirement to create around another 500 specialist places. Any additional funding would be required to be found from existing capital programmes, thus reducing that budget.

In February 2025 Council approved the budget for special school and ARP places as follows:

• total budget: £60.71 million
• external funding: £9.09 million
• total Council borrowing: £51.62 million (after external funding)

How do I take part?

Have your say on proposed changes to Ivel Valley school

All views will help shape the final decision. You can also attend a drop-in event to speak with our officers.