Barnet School to Get Temporary SEND Facilities

Barnet Council's planning committee has unanimously approved the construction of temporary school buildings at Queenswell Infant and Nursery School in Whetstone. The decision aims to address an urgent demand for school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Addressing Increased Demand

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The new facilities, described as a single-storey modular nursery building and a temporary classroom block, are intended to create 35 additional SEND places for the upcoming school year. Council documents indicate that the demand for SEND places in the borough is rapidly exceeding projected needs, with Oakleigh Junior School and Mapledown Secondary School anticipated to be oversubscribed from September. These temporary buildings represent an initial phase to meet the most pressing needs, with further provision planned for September 2027.

The need for increased SEND provision is a national trend. A Department for Education report highlighted a 33% increase in pupils requiring SEND support across the country since 2016. Government funding for these services has not kept pace with this rising demand, leading to concerns about the financial sustainability of local authorities providing these places.

Future Plans and Funding

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While the temporary buildings are expected to be in place for five years, Barnet Council's preferred long-term solution is the development of a new, larger SEND school. However, feasibility studies and site location challenges mean that such a permanent facility is not anticipated before 2029 at the earliest. The emergency building projects at Queenswell are to be funded through grant funding from the Department for Education. Wernick Buildings is expected to be awarded the contract for the works.

Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson has stated his commitment to advocating for SEND children in Barnet, pledging to ensure they receive the necessary school places and government support.