Willowfield special school plans approved
PROVISION: An image of Willowfield special school
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
Plans for a new specialist school in Hull for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have been passed by the city council’s planning committee.
The Willowfield Free school will cater for 125 pupils with severe physical and / or learning difficulties, and creating up to 100 full‑time equivalent jobs.
The new school will allow more children from Hull with specialist needs to receive an education closer to home, meaning reduced travelling time for parents and children, better outcomes and reduced costs.
Willowfield’s low‑carbon design includes a mixture of classrooms, specialist teaching and therapy spaces, plus a hydrotherapy pool.
The school will have new dedicated vehicle and pedestrian access from Inglemire Lane and new parking provision to include accessible spaces, electric vehicle charging and a minibus drop‑off area, all on site. It will also have new hard and soft play areas and landscaping.
The school will be delivered by the council in partnership with Hull Esteem LEP, with funding from the Department for Education (DfE).
Councillor Linda Tock, portfolio holder for children’s services, said: “Every child in Hull is entitled to an education in an environment that enables them to maximise their learning, so it is pleasing that the plans for Willowfield SEND School have been approved.
“This is an exciting project that would go some way to providing much‑needed additional SEND provision in the city.
“It demonstrates the commitment both the council and Humber Education Trust (HET) have to driving forward inclusive practice and widening opportunities for children and young people with the most complex needs.”
Both the nearby Frederick Holmes School and Platform Daycare Centre will remain open throughout the construction phase.
Subject final approval from the DfE, construction on land east of Frederick Holmes School on Inglemire Lane will begin later this year.