Forty-eight new SEND places created in Swindon’s schools

With the support of Swindon Borough Council, a new unit at Oaktree Nursery and Primary School is already operational with 24 places in total created in time for the new academic year. The school has benefited from a substantial £500,000 investment to expand its SEND provision, with a previously unused building converted into a purpose-built space. Facilities include a dedicated play park and a specialist sensory room.

24 places have also been created at Mountford Manor Primary School, as part of a wider programme of investment in SEND provision across Swindon. Last year, the Council received a £3.4m grant from the Department for Education, supporting the creation of new places across the Borough.

In February 2025, Cabinet Members decided to use the funding to expand existing specialist provision and create new Complex Needs Units for both primary and secondary schools. In total, 158 new places are expected to be created. This includes the recent opening of 20 new specialist places at Eldene Nursery and Primary School and Robert Le Kyng Primary School, enabling more children to access tailored support within inclusive mainstream settings.

To mark the progress being made, Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, and Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, Cabinet Member for Education, visited Oaktree Nursery and Primary School today (12 March) to meet the young people benefitting from the new unit.

Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Ensuring every child in Swindon has access to the support they need to thrive is one of our top priorities. The investment at Oaktree and Mountford Manor Primary Schools means more families will benefit from high‑quality, specialist education in their community.

“This expansion reflects our commitment to meeting growing demand and creating modern, well‑equipped learning environments for children closer to home.”

Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of the Council, said: “It was great to visit the new SEND unit at Oaktree today and see the difference this investment is already making for local families. The £500,000 funding here, alongside the wider £3.4m programme, is helping us create the high‑quality, inclusive places in Swindon. I’m proud of the progress we’re making to deliver a fairer Swindon.”

Gary Evans, CEO of The Blue Kite Academy Trust, responsible for both Oaktree Primary and Robert Le Kyng Primary, said: "We are delighted to mark the opening of our new SEND units, a significant investment in ensuring that children with complex and additional needs receive the specialist support they deserve. This dedicated provision reflects the shared commitment of our schools and the Trust, to create inclusive environments where every child can thrive, achieve their potential and feel a true sense of belonging.

"By combining high-quality teaching, specialist expertise and carefully designed learning spaces, the units will enable us to provide tailored support for children with complex needs while keeping them connected to the wider school community. We are proud to take this important step in strengthening the support available for families and ensuring that all children in our community have the opportunity to succeed."