A CONSULTATION is being launched to assess how best to meet the requirements for special school provision in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Council’s collaborative work in the improvement of special education has now reached the stage of consultation on the future of three of its special schools.

The Wiltshire council area will need an additional 220 places by 2026 for children and young people with special needs and/or disabilities.

There is also a need to address where the schools are placed to ensure sufficient spaces are available for different needs in the north and south. Some pupils currently have to travel up to 90 minutes to attend school.

Councillor Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children said: “This consultation puts the options on the table fairly so we avoid people having to make unnecessary journeys to attend school and pupils can learn in great classrooms that meet their needs and support them to reach their potential.”

At a cabinet meeting last week it was decided to consult to help decide on one of three options which are; to develop a single school, to develop two schools or to develop/continue three schools in Chippenham, Trowbridge and Rowdeford.

The results of the consultation will go back to Wiltshire Council’s cabinet for any further action.