AN ADDITIONAL 80 places for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities are to be provided by the Beaucroft School in Wimborne.

The places will be based at the former Wimborne First School site from October 2022.

Although the project is focused on provision for young people aged 16 years and over, places will be increased across multiple year groups.

The co-headteachers of Beaucroft School, Diane Makariou and Joe Barnett said the vision for the expansion was exciting.

Mr Barnett said: “The town centre location of the Wimborne First School site is an excellent, one-off opportunity to base our post- 16 provision.

“A fundamental aim for our students is to participate and contribute to the local community in a relevant and meaningful way.

“Our very successful community café will thrive, with a permanent base in the heart of the community.

"A shop, workshop and horticultural enterprise will also contribute to enhancing the town and create a resource the whole community can be proud of.

Ms Makariou added that Beaucroft School has always enjoyed positive relationships in Wimborne and the plans would build on this through work experience and community links.

She said: “Ultimately, we believe these young people deserve every opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential by playing a valued role in their local area. The whole Beaucroft community is excited about this wonderful venture”.

The expansion of Beaucroft falls comes under a five year, £37.5m programme funded by Dorset Council, to provide the best education for Dorset’s SEND children.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council portfolio holder for children, education and early help, said: “This is a great opportunity to expand one of Dorset’s existing special schools, enabling more of Dorset’s children to receive their education closer to home.

“We are committed to all Dorset’s children receiving the best education possible close to their local communities, so these extra places will be a fantastic addition to our growing number of SEND places."

"We look forward to welcoming more students to the school so they can be part of Wimborne’s community.”