Peterborough special school seeks to change entry criteria for pupils

A special school in Peterborough is seeking to change the entry criteria for pupils.
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A consultation has been launched on re-designating Marshfields School in Eastern Close, Dogsthorpe, from a school for pupils with ‘moderate learning difficulties’ to one for pupils with ‘learning difficulties’.

The consultation document on Peterborough City Council’s website states: “Many children with moderate learning difficulties are able to access their education in mainstream provision.

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“Making this change will ensure that Marshfields is only offering places to those who need a special school place to access their education successfully.”

Marshfields SchoolMarshfields School
Marshfields School

Marshfields is a community school with 175 places for pupils aged nine to 19, all of whom have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

The school was judged Good by Ofsted when inspected in October 2016.

The council added: “The recent review of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision across Peterborough identified that there was a mismatch between the overall SEND pupil profile in Peterborough and the range of provision available across mainstream schools, specialist hubs and special schools.

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“The SEND census data from the previous five years shows that the number of children with an EHC Plan in Peterborough has risen steadily. A high number of these children will be able to successfully access education provision in mainstream schools, however, those with more severe needs will require a special school place.”

The number of pupils with an EHCP in Peterborough has risen from 1,174 in 2015/16 to 1,287 to 2019/20.

The consultation closes on Tuesday, December 8.

For more information or to make a comment, email Rachael.pinion@cambridgeshire.gov.uk and include the words ‘Marshfields Designation Consultation’ in the subject line.

The council said it will “give careful consideration to all comments received during the consultation before reaching a decision on whether or not to proceed with the designation change”.

It added: “If the change is agreed it is proposed that it would come into effect from September 2021.”