NEWSROOM

As part of its budget commitment to increase the number of school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) outlined earlier this year, Telford & Wrekin Council has worked with partners to create a new satellite site for the Bridge School based at John Fletcher of Madeley Primary School.

Under the new arrangement, the site of John Fletcher of Madeley Primary School will be split into two, one section will accommodate the original primary school. The other section will accommodate an extension of The Bridge School and will place 60 new pupils with SEND.

The new arrangement will be in place from September.

The Council has consulted parents, both schools and partners on plans to co-locate the schools.

Some improvement work is currently being carried out at John Fletcher of Madeley, including the creation of two new classrooms.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, said:

“As a Council, we recognise the growing demand for specialist school places for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

“While many children and young people who require additional support can thrive within mainstream education, this is not the right setting for every child.

“Earlier this year, we set out plans to increase the number of SEND places available, building on our recent investment in new SEND hubs across the Borough.

“With John Fletcher of Madeley Primary School able to offer space within its building, we saw an opportunity to take an innovative approach to making the best use of the available space while delivering on the commitment we made to families earlier this year.

“We will also continue to explore opportunities to create additional secondary SEND places across the Borough, ensuring more children and young people can access the specialist support they need closer to home.

“Education is the cornerstone of a vibrant community. By investing in our schools, we are investing in our future.”

Stacey Cross, Headteacher of John Fletcher of Madeley Primary School, said:

“At John Fletcher of Madeley Primary School, we believe every child deserves the chance to flourish.  As a school rooted in its community, we recognise the challenges many families face in securing specialist SEND provision. We are proud to support this initiative.  By working collaboratively, we are helping to widen access to specialist provision and ensure more children receive the right support at the right time.”

Nicola Davis, Co-Headteacher at The Bridge School, said:

“We are delighted to be extending our capacity for children with SEN in the local area. The local authority has shown a strong commitment to supporting the opening of this extension of our existing school, with specialist facilities for our new children.”

Emily Tracey, Co-Headteacher at The Bridge School, said:

"We are highly committed to working with families to ensure that their children settle into their new school and have a fulfilling and enjoyable education with us."

As well as developing more SEND spaces in the Borough, Telford & Wrekin Council’s proposed Budget for 2026/27 commits £150 million to supporting vulnerable children, people with disabilities and older adults, equal to 70p in every £1 the Council spends to provide care and support for people who need it most.

At the same time as keeping Council Tax the lowest in the Midlands, the Budget will also deliver £437 million in capital investment into the priorities residents value most, including better homes and roads, expanding schools, enhancing bus services, and supporting our high streets.