Proposal to increase the capacity of Norman Gate School, Andover

Norman Gate School is currently a 93 place special school for 2-11 year olds with moderate learning difficulties (MLD) and Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). The County Council is proposing to increase the capacity of the school by adding an additional 12 places though a phased increase over the coming 2 years. This will give a final overall capacity of 105 places at Norman Gate School.

To accommodate the increased number of places, it is proposed that an existing food technology classroom is converted into generic teaching accommodation. The food technology teaching kitchen will be replaced in another area of the school. The proposed works will include refurbishment of the spaces to provide an appropriate learning environment. In addition, a toilet / hygiene area will be remodelled and refurbished. Parking spaces for staff will also be reviewed. The cost of the capital works is estimated to be c.£160,000.

Reason for proposal

Hampshire County Council is committed to expanding successful provision where possible to meet demand.  Currently there is an increased need to provide support for pupils with moderate learning difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorder in this area of the county. This proposal will provide much needed specialist educational capacity to meet this increased need.

Where a Local Authority proposes to permanently enlarge a special school’s capacity by 10% or more it must follow a procedure set out by the Department for Education.

The Consultation

The primary purpose of this consultation is to seek the view of consultees on the principle of increasing the school capacity to meet the demand for additional special school places in the local area. It is important to hear your views at this stage so we can consider them as part of the detailed work to be undertaken should approval to increase the capacity of the school be obtained.

This consultation will run from the Wednesday 2 February to Wednesday 2 March 2022. Officers will then take into consideration all the consultation responses received before deciding whether the proposal should continue to the formal publication stage.

If so, a statutory Public Notice will be published, setting out Hampshire County Council’s intent to increase the capacity of the school. It is anticipated that this will be published in April 2022.

After the date of publication there will be a four-week period in which any representations can be made to the local authority. After the conclusion of this period the County Council will decide whether or not to proceed with the proposal. It is anticipated that a decision will be made in May/June 2022.

Frequently asked questions

Further Information

Due to Covid-19 restrictions and ensuring public safety, unfortunately we are unable to hold a public drop-in event at the school. However please send in your views and queries by email to [email protected].

If you would like to speak to an officer, please make a request by email, briefly outlining your query so we can arrange a mutually convenient time for you to speak to an appropriate officer, either via conference call or telephone.

If you are unable to email and wish to make a comment, please write to Claire Campling, Assistant SEN Service Manager, Children’s Services Department, EII Court North, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8UG by Wednesday 2 March 2022.