Proposal to establish a Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Special Educational needs (SEN) Unit at Pennington Church of England Primary School

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Overview

Hampshire County Council and Pennington CE Primary School are seeking your views on a proposal to establish a new special educational needs (SEN) Unit for up to 50 pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, opening in phases from September 2027. This Unit would utilise the former Pennington Infant School accommodation, which is currently surplus to requirements.

Children with SEMH needs often face challenges in managing emotions, building relationships, and coping with everyday situations. They benefit from consistent routines, therapeutic support, and tailored teaching. This new provision will enable more pupils to access specialist support closer to home, reducing travel time and promoting inclusion.

Please note that this consultation relates specifically to the proposal and principle to establish the SEN SEMH Unit. Further consultation will be held in relation to planning and building works when details are known and if approved to proceed.

Why this provision is Needed

There is a growing number of children in the local area being identified with SEMH needs, and the demand for specialist educational support is increasing. This proposal aims to support this by creating a dedicated space at the former Pennington Infant School for pupils with complex SEMH needs who have Education Health Care (EHC) plans to be placed by the County Council’s SEN Team.

What is Being Proposed

  • A 50-place SEN Unit for pupils with SEMH and associated needs opening in phases.
  • Pupils will be on roll at Pennington CE Primary School and spend most of their time in the Unit, with opportunities to join mainstream activities where appropriate.
  • The Unit will provide tailored teaching, therapeutic support, and a safe, structured environment.
  • The former Pennington Infant School building will be adapted to create specialist classrooms, therapy spaces, and outdoor areas. IT, furniture, and specialist resources will also be provided.
  • Detailed feasibility work will be undertaken subject to approval following consultation period. Required works are estimated at over £6m will be funded from the Children’s Services Capital Programme and will be reported at a later date.
  • It is planned that the building works, to create the facilities at the former Pennington Infant School site, will take 6-9 months and be complete for the Unit to be operational from September 2027.

Impact on the School

  • Pupils in the Unit will receive specialist support while maintaining links with the wider school community.
  • The provision will enhance inclusion and wellbeing across the school.
  • Staff will benefit from additional training and shared expertise.
  • The school will receive additional funding to support staffing and resources.
  • The existing SEMH Resourced Provision at Pennington CE Primary School will not be affected.

Consultation Timeline

  • Consultation period: 9 January to 6 February 2026.
  • Drop-in session: Wednesday 21 January between 3:30pm to 6pm at Pennington CE Primary School.
  • Next steps: Responses will be reviewed and a report presented to the Executive Member for Education and if approved, a statutory notice is anticipated to be published in March 2026.
  • A final decision will be made by the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services / Director of Children’s Services in spring/summer 2026.

How to Share Your Views

You can share your views in the following ways:

  • Attend the drop-in session on Wednesday 21 January 2026
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Write to:
    Claire Campling
    SEN Service Manager
    Children’s Services
    Elizabeth II Court West
    Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8UG

Further Information

Please see the following link for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

FAQs – Pennington CE Primary School SEMH Unit

Please see the following link for an indicative site plan of the former Pennington Infant School:

Pennington Infant School Indicative site plan

All responses must be received by 6 February