Cabinet approves major investment to expand SEND places at Mill Green School

Under the proposals, Cabinet has agreed to:

• Allocate £1,535,640 from the Department for Education's High Needs Provision Grant to fund the renovation of the former Parr Library, transforming it into new specialist teaching spaces.

   

• Approve £825,556 to extend the lease of modular classrooms currently in place at the school, ensuring sufficient capacity is maintained while refurbishment works take place.

   

• Increase pupil numbers at Mill Green School from 134 to 170 from the beginning of the academic year 2025/26 and gradually increase pupil numbers further to 190 and beyond from 2026/27

This investment forms part of the council's wider SEND Strategy to deliver high-quality, cost-effective, local provision. Alongside the Mill Green expansion, the council is also developing additional SEND capacity at Thatto Heath Primary School, as well Rectory Primary School through the conversion of the former Fourways Children's Centre in Clock Face. Future plans also include a proposed expansion at Broad Oak Primary School in Parr, which could provide an additional 20 places for pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Welcoming the report, Councillor Nova Charlton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: 

"The number of children with additional educational needs is rising both locally and nationally, creating growing demand for specialist school places where mainstream schools cannot always meet pupils' needs.

"It is a strategic priority for us to increase in-borough provision, reducing reliance on costly out-of-borough placements and ensuring more children and young people with SEND can be educated within their own community.

"This investment demonstrates our commitment to meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND here in St Helens Borough. By expanding Mill Green School, we are not only increasing local capacity but also creating modern, inclusive learning environments shaped by the voices of parents, carers, and pupils.

"These plans will help more children thrive closer to home, while ensuring we make the best use of resources as a council working with you, for you, to deliver on our number one priority: giving every child and young person the best start in life."

Cabinet approval comes just a day after planning permission was granted for a single storey extension to the front, side, and rear of the former Parr Library building - which also includes front and rear ramp access and solar panels - to accommodate the Mill Green School expansion.