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A new special primary school could be established in South Tyneside following the Council's successful application for a new free school.

The school would be for pupils with significant social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and often with additional needs such as autism and ADHD. Currently many of these pupils have to go outside of the Borough for schooling but a new primary school would mean these children would be able to receive their education in the Borough, in line with the Council's ambition of helping to keep residents healthy and well throughout their lives.

The new 56-place primary school should be the first in the borough with a specialism for children with SEMH and follows on from the recent opening of  Epinay School on their new site on Nevison Avenue following a massive £1.9 million investment from the Council. The re-location of that school from its base in Jarrow means more children with additional needs now receive their education in South Tyneside.

Free schools are legally academies, which are state-funded educational institutions operated by academy trusts and not by the Local Authority.

Steps will now be taken to find an academy trust to manage the school.

Councillor Adam Ellison, Lead Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: "There is significant demand for primary special school provision in South Tyneside, with higher than national levels of children needing support. 

"Providing specialist education tailored to student's unique needs is vital in ensuring that all of our children can learn, grow and achieve."

He added: "The relocation of Epinay School has been a phenomenal success. This move, if it comes to fruition, would allow us to expand and enhance our support for even more of our children with additional needs at primary level."

It is anticipated that the free school will also provide outreach opportunities for staff from mainstream schools to observe lessons in order to share good practice and increase inclusive practice in South Tyneside.