Legal News

Bradford Council says it expects to create 72 new places for pupils between the ages of ten and 19 who have social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).

The council is one of 20 local authorities which have successfully bid to open a new special education needs (SEN) school through the government’s free school programme.

The new school is expected to be a centre of excellence, which can bring together specialised education, health and care services on one campus.

The council said the school would aim to prepare young people with SEMH needs for adult life through teaching and support, to enable them to participate fully in society and lead independent lives.

The school will include residential facilities to support the needs of pupils and will be the first free school of its type in West Yorkshire.

It is hoped the new school can be up and running by 2020-2021 – and the local authority will now be inviting bids to find a sponsor to run the new school for SEMH pupils.

Bradford’s special education needs schools are all currently at full capacity – and the council says the SEN population in the district is expected to rise by 10% in the next three years.

The vision is for the new school to provide a caring, secure and stimulating learning environment, which is tailored to the needs of every child.

Bradford Council’s Deputy Director for Education, Employment and Skills, Judith Kirk, said:

“This is fantastic news for Bradford – creating more places for children and young people with additional needs is one of our top priorities.

“We are very pleased that the government has backed our vision for a new school which can deliver specialist education and health services for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs.

“This provision will help to ensure we can make a real difference to the lives of young people who need extra support, to ensure they can fulfil their potential.”

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available across England and Wales at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.