Hampshire County Council has agreed to open statutory consultations on new ‘Inclusion Bases’ at Cadland Primary School in Holbury, Rowner Infant School in Gosport, Lydlynch Infant School in Totton and Locks Heath Junior School in Fareham.
Previously known as Resourced Provisions, these bases are part of mainstream schools but offer additional expertise and tailored facilities for pupils with identified needs. Children can receive focused help while continuing to learn and take part in school life alongside their peers.
Subject to consultation and final decisions, the 42 new places would open in phases from the 2027/28 academic year.
Giving the go-ahead for the consultations, Councillor Juliet Henderson, Executive Member for Education, said:
“Families tell us how much difference it makes when a child can learn in familiar surroundings, alongside friends and siblings, with staff who understand how to help them thrive. These proposals are a practical step towards that: making better use of school buildings and strengthening expertise across Hampshire, both now and for the future. I encourage parents, carers and residents to look at the detail and share their views during the consultations.”
The proposals are:
- Cadland Primary School: 12 places for children aged four to 11 with autism
- Rowner Infant School: nine places for children aged four to seven with autism
- Lydlynch Infant School: nine places for children aged four to seven with social, emotional and mental health needs
- Locks Heath Junior School: 12 places for children aged seven to 11 with autism.
Demand for specialist school places continues to grow across Hampshire. Where possible, existing surplus accommodation would be adapted for the proposed bases. This work would include changes to internal spaces, together with improvements to IT, furniture, outdoor play areas and parking or drop-off arrangements. Funding is expected to come from capital allocated for high-needs SEND provision.
Creating more places within Hampshire is intended to reduce long journeys for pupils and families, support more sustainable school travel and lessen reliance on expensive independent and non-maintained special schools. Since September 2023, the County Council has increased the number of specialist places in mainstream schools by 294.
Residents, families, schools and other interested parties will be able to comment on the proposals through their upcoming statutory consultations, which are due to run between 6 November and 4 December. Details of each consultation will be published on the County Council’s website at https://www.hants.gov.uk/community/publicnotices.