Nottingham City Council has approved additional funding of £830,000 to support the development of a new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) unit at Fernwood Academy in Wollaton.
The investment brings the total value of the project to £3.98 million and marks a significant step forward in expanding specialist education provision for children and young people in Nottingham.
The new purpose-built SEND unit will provide space for 24 pupils in Key Stages 3 and 4, including 20 additional places commissioned by Council. It will support pupils with moderate learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorder, helping them access high-quality education within their local community.
The development forms part of the Council’s SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2023–2028, which aims to increase local specialist placements and reduce reliance on costly out-of-area provision.
The new unit will provide a supportive, low-stress environment where pupils can thrive and prepare for adulthood with features including:
- Dedicated life skills kitchens to help students gain independence and everyday living skills
- Calm and sensory spaces to support emotional regulation and wellbeing
- A relocated sensory garden, shaped by pupil feedback
- Improved drop-off areas, parking and site access to ensure safety and accessibility
The additional investment reflects rising construction costs, design enhancements, and an expanded scope to ensure the facility fully meets the needs of pupils.
Councillor Sulcan Mahmood, Executive Member for Employment, Education and Skills, said: “The new SEND unit at Fernwood Academy will provide specialist support in a mainstream setting, helping young people to develop confidence, independence and lifelong skills close to home.
“By increasing in-city capacity, the investment will provide more local school places for children with complex needs, reduce pressure on the High Needs education budget and support better long-term outcomes for young people and families
“This demonstrates our commitment to ensuring every child in Nottingham has access to high-quality education that meets their needs. “
Funding for the project comes from the Department for Education’s High Needs Provision Capital Allocation, provided to local authorities to expand and improve SEN provision.
Construction is expected to progress following approval, helping the Council meet its statutory duty to provide sufficient and appropriate school places for children and young people with SEND.
