Consultation
A period of consultation commenced in spring 2025 on the proposal to make a prescribed alteration to Templemoor Infant School, a community school. The proposal is to establish a Special Educational Needs (SEN) unit at the school, creating a total of 10 additional places in a small specialist class.
We invited all interested parties to take part in shaping the proposal with an opportunity to submit comments and ideas for consideration. Information was sent to all parents and staff members and announced online. All comments and questions received were responded to as part of this process.
Full proposal and statutory notice
The next stage of the process was publication of a statutory notice on 7 May 2025, which started a four-week period of representation during which time stakeholders are invited to object to the proposal or make comments. We received no responses to the consultation.
Proposal to establish Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision
Notice is given, in accordance with section 19(1) of the Education and Inspections Act 2006, that Trafford Council, Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford, M32 0TH, intends to make a prescribed alteration to Templemoor Infant School, Nursery Close, Sale, M33 2EG.
The proposal is to establish an SEN Unit at the school, creating a total of 10 additional places in a small specialist class.
Objectives
The proposal will support our sufficiency strategy for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). There is significant additional demand for specialist places, and to meet increasing demand, we have a strategic priority to increase capacity in small specialist classes within mainstream schools.
Our SEND strategic plan outlines our commitment to developing inclusive mainstream settings and our aim for all Trafford children and young people to have their needs met in their local community.
The proposal contributes to these strategic objectives.
Templemoor Infant School is passionate about inclusive practice, which allows all children within the school family to thrive. Children with SEND will benefit from being educated primarily within the small specialist class, with opportunities to participate in mainstream lessons wherever possible and being fully integrated into general school life in a mainstream school.
School capacity
Templemoor Infant School has a published admission number (PAN) of 60, with up to 60 pupils per year group, giving a maximum of 180 pupils.
It is proposed to add an SEN Unit offering a total of 10 additional places for pupils with SEND who have an education, health and care plan (EHCP). It will cater for pupils with social communication needs, autism and other complex needs.
Demand for places
Between 2019 and 2024, the number of Trafford pupils with SEND who have an EHCP has increased on average by 10% per year. This is creating significant additional demand for specialist places.
Trafford currently has 48 places available in small specialist classes in primary schools for children from the central and south neighbourhoods. These classes are all full with waiting lists, and demand continues to increase.
Admission arrangements
Admission to the small specialist class at Templemoor Infant School will be via the statutory education, health and care plan (EHCP) process for pupils with SEND.
Education standards
Templemoor Infant School has been judged good by Ofsted, where inspectors found that:
- The school has high expectations of pupils’ achievement. Pupils learn and achieve well. They settle easily into many happy friendships and feel safe when attending the school. From the very beginning of their time in the nursery and reception classes, children use this spacious school with confidence. Pupils benefit from the learning activities that staff provide. These enthuse them to gain new knowledge.
- Staff use assessment strategies to identify and support the needs of pupils, including those with SEND, quickly and effectively. The school keeps a watchful eye on the effectiveness of the support that it provides. It removes barriers to pupils’ learning and development as much as possible.
Consultation
We consulted on these proposals in the spring term 2025. We do not consider that there will be any adverse impact on the community or on other schools in the area.
Project costs
Sufficient accommodation is available for the small specialist class through the conversion of an existing classroom. Funding for the capital scheme has been secured for this project from the high needs provision capital allocation.
Long term value for money will be achieved through a reduction in the use of out-of-area placements, as we will have additional capacity to meet children's needs within our local area.
Implementation date
It is proposed that the small specialist classes will open 1 September 2025, subject to successful completion of the capital project and all associated statutory processes.
Outcome and final decision
The final decision was taken on 5 June 2025 to establish a 10-place SEN provision at Templemoor Infant School.