Consultation starts on plans for former Unicorn Centre
People are being invited to have their say on plans to increase the capacity of a satellite site in Stourbridge for a borough special school.
Dudley Council is working in conjunction with Ascent Multi Academy Trust to develop the Unicorn Satellite Centre, as part of The Brier School.
The Unicorn Centre, on Brettell Lane, closed in August last year. It provided specialist care for adults with profound learning difficulties and complex health needs.
The building has been brought back into use in the last few months on a pilot basis to support the Kingswinford school’s existing capacity and ever-growing need to develop specialist provision.
Now the new proposals, which are now out to consultation, would see the centre increase its capacity to cater for approximately 45 pupils with moderate to severe learning disabilities by September next year.
Councillor Wayne Little, cabinet member for children and young people, said:
“We are currently in a position as a council where we don’t have enough capacity to meet the demand with regards to helping children with special educational needs.
“As a result, the council has to fund expensive places in independent schools, often outside the borough, as well as covering the travel costs.
“This satellite site has already been running successfully as a trial for the past few months with a reduced capacity, providing real benefits for children and parents. Now we want to scale it up so we can offer help to even more children who need it.
“The consultation is now open on our plans for this site.
“We want as many people as possible with an interest to have their say. Your feedback will be vital in shaping the future of SEND provision in the borough and will be fully taken into account before any final decisions are made.”
People can have their say at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/council-community/get-involved/public-consultation-proposed-expansion-of-the-unicorn-satellite-centre/. The deadline for responses is November 27.