New SEMH school plans to boost local SEND places
Tuesday, 1 July 2025
We've unveiled proposals to open a new specialist primary school for children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
Under the plans, up to 50 places will be offered through a satellite of Larwood School, operated by Brighter Futures Education Trust, with an initial intake planned for the 2025/26 academic year.
The school would eventually be based at the former Pulloxhill Lower School site, our asset that is well suited to educational use. Interim provision would be based at Beech Road in Dunstable for up to 2 years while refurbishment work is carried out.
Crucially, the proposals offer a cost-effective response to the rising demand for specialist places, which could save us between £1.24 million and £2.6 million a year when compared to the cost of independent placements.
The proposals will be considered by the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny SEND Sub-Committee on July 8 and, if endorsed, will be brought to Executive for a decision in August.
Councillor Steve Owen, our Executive Member for Children and Families and Community Safety, said:
This is a smart proposal that meets both our financial and moral duty to provide high-quality education for children with complex needs closer to home. It makes use of an existing site, responds directly to parental feedback, and significantly reduces reliance on expensive, out-of-area placements.
We know some families are concerned about the future of SEND provision in Central Bedfordshire. That’s why I want to be clear: this is just one piece of a broader strategy. Later this year we’ll be launching a consultation for Ivel Valley School which includes proposals that could also free up millions to invest in much-needed SEND provision across the wider area.
Subject to approval by councillors and public consultation outcomes, the Pulloxhill site would undergo phased refurbishment tailored to SEMH needs, with features such as enhanced security, accessibility and suitable learning spaces.