Proposal to establish Autism Resourced Provisions (RPs) at Castle Hill Infant School and Castle Hill Primary School

Open until

Overview

Hampshire County Council, in partnership with Castle Hill Infant School and Castle Hill Primary School (Junior site age range 7 -11 Greenbank Campus RG23 8BN), are seeking your views on a proposal to create new Resourced Provisions (RPs) for pupils with autism (AS), opening in phases in academic year 2027/28.

Children with autism often experience challenges with social interaction, communication, and may have speech and language needs. These new provisions will enable pupils to access specialist support closer to home, while maintaining links with mainstream education

Pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs may experience difficulties in managing their emotions, building relationships and may struggle to manage their emotions.

Why this provision is needed

There is a growing number of children in the area being diagnosed with autism, and the need for specialist educational support is increasing. These proposals aim to support this by creating a dedicated space within the schools for pupils with complex needs who have Education Health Care (EHC) Plans to be placed by the County Council’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) Team.

What is being proposed

  • Castle Hill Infant School: A Resourced Provision for up to 9 pupils with autism opening in phases in the 2027/28 academic year.
  • Castle Hill Primary School (Greenbank Campus): A Resourced Provision for up to 12 pupils with autism opening in phases in the 2027/28 academic year.

Pupils will be on roll at their respective schools and will spend time in the Resourced Provision for tailored support, while joining mainstream classes where appropriate. The provisions will include specialist teaching, resources, and a safe, structured environment.

  • Castle Hill Infant School will be extended through the addition of a small new space alongside the existing facilities to become a base for the Resourced Provision. IT and furniture will be required alongside a secure outside play space.
  • Castle Hill Primary School (Greenbank Campus) will require additional classroom spaces as a base for the Resourced Provision. It is proposed to install a new modular building. Appropriate IT, furniture and equipment will also be provided alongside a secure outside play space.

Impact on the School

The new provisions will enhance inclusion and wellbeing across both schools. Staff will benefit from additional training and shared expertise. The schools will receive additional funding to support staffing and resources.

Consultation Timeline

  • Consultation period: 26 June to 17 July
  • Drop-in session: Wednesday 15 July between 3:30pm to 6pm at Castle Hill Primary School.
  • Next steps: Responses will be reviewed and a report presented to the Executive Member for Education in autumn 2026. If approved, a statutory notice will be published in autumn 2026, with a final decision expected in late autumn 2026 / early spring 2027.

How to Share Your Views

You can share your views in the following ways:

  • Attend the drop-in session on Wednesday 15 July at Castle Hill Infant School (RG23 8BN)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Write to:
    Helen ley
    SEN Partnership Development Manager
    Children’s Services
    Elizabeth II Court West
    Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8UG

Please see the following link for frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Castle Hill Infant and Castle Hill Primary School RP FAQs

All responses must be received by 17 July 2026.