Big cash injection to increase SEND places in schools across Tameside

A cash injection of £5.3m to create three new specialist units for SEND within mainstream schools has been signed off by town hall chiefs.

This will see pupil places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) increase by 118 ready for September 2026 intake. 

Three new Specialist Resource Provisions (SRPs) will be built at Laurus Ryecroft, Ashton West End Primary Academy and St Stephen’s RC Primary School. Some £4.3m from the High Needs Capital Grant will go towards the three new SRPs and another £1m will go towards the expansion of Cromwell High School – a special educational needs school.

Laurus Ryecroft Secondary School will gain 42 places; Ashton West End Primary Academy will add 20 places; an additional 16 places will be available at St Stephen’s RC Primary School; and Cromwell High School will build a temporary ‘satellite site’ for 40 places at Quantum Point in Hyde.

Education boss Coun Leanne Feeley told the latest meeting of town hall bosses gathered in the Tameside One building how this scheme would tackle the ‘long term issues with a lack of funding in SEND’. She explained how the units have been spread to schools in different towns across the borough to provide a balance for residents.

This latest investment comes following 133 places being created for the September 2025 term for SEND students. 

Speaking after the meeting, Tameside council’s executive member for lifelong learning and culture, Coun Leanne Feeley said: “The increase of SEND school places in specialist and mainstream settings demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide appropriate school places and educational opportunities for children and young people with additional needs.

“SEND services are a Council priority and this investment follows the addition of 133 places created for the September 2025 term.

“Providing settings where children can thrive and ensuring these places are as close to home as possible is a key aspect in the Council’s SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2025-2030. Our SEND Local Area Improvement Board continues to work closely together to support families, and this development is another step forward in our partnership work.”