We have launched a consultation on plans to create a new Additional Resource Provision (ARP) at Sandy Secondary School to support up to 24 students with recognised cognitive and learning difficulties.
An ARP is a specialist provision attached to the mainstream school, but where children and young people have access to an additional space to provide extra support required throughout the school day.
The proposed ARP aims to meet increasing demand for specialist educational places within the area and ensure children can access the support they need close to home.
Sandy Secondary School, an Ofsted-rated ‘good’ school, already has excellent facilities and a highly trained Special Educational Needs team, including three SENCOs and specialist learning support assistants, ready to provide a tailored curriculum and environment, initially for 16 students.
We are moving to the statutory phase after the school consulted formally in the spring, with the proposal receiving strong support.
Councillor Steve Owen, Executive Member for Children’s Services and Community Safety, said:
We are committed to making sure every child in Central Bedfordshire has access to the education and support they deserve. Creating this new resource provision at Sandy Secondary School is another vital step in meeting the growing need for specialist places and helping families in the local community. We encourage residents and stakeholders to have their say during this consultation period.
A formal statutory notice consultation is now open and runs until 23 September 2025. The council invites parents, carers, and community members to submit their views via the council’s website.
Following this, the feedback will be analysed and a decision will be made by the Council’s Executive at their October committee meeting. If approved, the new provision is planned to open in October.