Proposal to establish Autism Resourced Provisions (RPs) at Rowner Infant School and King’s Academy Rowner, Gosport

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Overview

Hampshire County Council, in partnership with Rowner Infant School and King’s Academy Rowner, are seeking your views on a proposal to create new Resourced Provisions (RPs) for pupils with autism (AS) up to 9 places at Rowner Infant School and 12 places at King’s Academy Rowner opening in phases in the 2027/28 academic year.

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.

Why are these provisions needed

There is a growing number of children in the area being diagnosed with autism and the need for specialist educational support is increasing. The proposals aim to support this by creating a dedicated spaces 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

  • Rowner Infant School: A Resourced Provision for up to 9 pupils with autism
  • King’s Academy Rowner: A Resourced Provision for up to 12 pupils with autism
  • Pupils will be on roll at either Rowner Infant School or King’s Academy Rowner
  • Pupils will be supported to access mainstream classes where appropriate, alongside time in the Resourced Provisions for targeted individual or small‑group support
  • The provisions will open in phases in the 2027/28 academic year
  • Both schools will use existing spaces as the bases for the Resourced Provisions. Minor adjustments, safeguarding measures, IT and furniture will be provided together with improvements to external spaces for a secure play areas

Impact on the schools

  • Pupils in the Resourced Provisions will receive tailored support and spend time in both mainstream classes and the Resourced Provision spaces
  • The provisions will enhance inclusion and wellbeing across the schools
  • Staff across both schools will benefit from additional training and shared expertise
  • The schools will receive additional funding to support staffing and resources

Consultation Timeline

  • Consultation period: 22 June to 20 July
  • Drop-in session: Wednesday 8 July, 3:15pm to 5:30pm at King’s Academy Rowner (PO13 0BN)
  • Next steps Rowner Infant Schol: 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.
  • Next steps King’s Academy Rowner: As an academy school, King’s Academy Rowner will submit an application to the Department for Education (DfE) for final approval following the initial consultation period.

How to Share Your Views

You can share your views in the following ways:

  • Attend the drop-in session on Wednesday 8 July, 3:15pm to 5:30pm at King’s Academy Rowner (PO13 0BN)
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Write to:
    Helen Ley
    SEN Partnership Development Manager
    Children’s Services
    Elizabeth II Court North
    Winchester, Hampshire SO23 8UG

Please see the following link for frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Rowner Infant School and King’s Academy Rowner FAQs

All responses must be received by 20 July 2026.