Kingston Council introduces new specialist school places

There is a new Key Stage 2 specialist resource provision at Alexandra School for eight children with moderate learning needs and physical disabilities. Following the opening of its first primary centre in the former School Lane Community Centre in Tolworth in 2019, Dysart School now has a second new primary centre in the former North Kingston Children's Centre, which will cater for up to 15 children with complex needs. A new post-16 provision has opened at Malden Oaks’ Duke’s Centre site, which will cater for up to 16 young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.

Cllr Diane White, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services including Education at Kingston Council, said:

“There are currently 1,468 children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans, and many others with additional needs, living in Kingston. These numbers are increasing. 

 

“We are all working extremely hard to support our children and young people with SEND and their families and are delighted we are able to offer more places at these excellent provisions.”

Leigh Edser, Principal of Dysart School, said:

“There has been massive progress and we see children benefit greatly from experiencing opportunities alongside their mainstream peers, with the added benefit of a safe secure environment to retreat to when things become more difficult or overwhelming in the busier hustle and bustle of mainstream education. Building on the success of our first satellite site, we were pleased to open Dysart’s second provision this year next to Latchmere Primary School. The additional site will ensure that children with additional needs can be educated in the community in which they live.”