Extra £235,000 needed to build Walsall SEND base

An extra £235,000 is needed to build a new SEND base at a school.

The budget for the new resource base at Stow Heath Primary School in Hill Road, Willenhall will rise to £1.5m according to City of Wolverhampton Council.

The council approved major work in July which will see the Hill Road school knocked down and re-built.

An extended 43-place unit for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) would also be built at the new primary school which the council says now needs an extra £235,000 to go ahead.

The work forms part of the government’s school re-building programme with the school described as in ‘poor condition’ and ‘no longer fit for purpose.’

The planning application approved by City of Wolverhampton Council said the school should be re-built in time for the new school year in September 2028.

The school was announced as the recipient of government funding in July 2021 with plans for a £1m SEND resource base approved by the council’s Labour cabinet in November 2022.

The budget increased to £1.2m in April 2023 due to anticipated rising costs and inflation and an extra £100,000 was added in July. Further delays have led to an extra £235,000 being needed to begin the work.

Approving the work earlier this year, the council’s planners said: “The proposed development represents a substantial investment in educational infrastructure and will provide modern, fit-for-purpose facilities for existing pupils, nursery users and SEND students.

“The scheme will deliver a high-quality replacement school building, improved external learning and recreation spaces, enhanced parking and access arrangements, and a comprehensive landscaping strategy.

“Furthermore, the phased delivery of the project will enable the continued day-to-day operation of the existing school throughout the construction period.”