Overloaded schools in south Essex face hope with new SEND facility

A New Vision for Special Needs Education and Community Wellbeing

Plans for a new special needs school and community hub in Basildon have been unveiled to parents and residents, aiming to address the growing strain on local schools. The proposed development is set to be located between Wickford and Billericay, with support from the council. This site will feature a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school, a 4G football pitch, and a centre that will house wellbeing groups.

At an open event called Future Basildon last Thursday, developers shared details about the project. Three plots have been identified, and mental health organisation B Mindful will collaborate with Feelgood Fitness in a 'hub' as part of the development. Section 106 contributions, which are funds collected from developers to build community infrastructure such as schools and doctors’ surgeries, will finance the initiative.

Omnia Foundation will manage the school, expanding their existing Rayleigh site. Director Steve Mitchell emphasized that Basildon urgently needs more SEND facilities. He highlighted that mainstream education is failing many young people, with too many children leaving the borough to access specialist provision. "It's already creaking at the seams because it is overloaded," he said.

Developer Tony Aldridge confirmed that the school and wellness centres will be constructed before any housing developments on the sites. The Friends Farm plan off Shoebury Road, Great Wakering, another at Corringham Park Farm in Thurrock, and a plot in Brentwood will combine with the Basildon site to serve as many catchment areas as possible.

Addressing Mental Health Concerns

Basildon has the third-highest levels of mental health disorders among children aged between five and 16, according to Leigh Willcock, head of B Mindful. He stressed the importance of early intervention, stating, "For us, it's about getting to those children early. We can instil things like resilience, the growth mindset, and the understanding so they start the journey a little bit earlier."

Mr. Willcock will use the facilities shared with Feelgood Fitness, whose owner Aaron Tyler mentioned that they have outgrown their current home. The community centre will be designed with open multi-use spaces, including a women’s only section of the gym, a sensory room, and areas for B Mindful to work. This ensures accessibility for all, including people with dementia and Parkinson’s.

Creating a Safe Space for Everyone

Mr. Tyler explained that the facility will focus on using fitness as a form of medicine and helping individuals feel good about themselves. "We see able-bodied, disabled as well as people with dementia and Parkinson's," he said. "It's about creating a safe space for people to use fitness as a medicine as well as to feel good about themselves."

David Kreyling, proprietor of Omnia, emphasized the importance of working closely with Essex Council to determine the most needed SEND provision. He stated that a local plan is crucial for "unlocking" SEND schools and infrastructure. Development, he argued, is necessary to bring more facilities to Basildon.

A Local Plan for Better Resources

Mr. Kreyling noted that Basildon children are currently traveling to school, but a local plan would allow funds to be ring-fenced for education, community, wellbeing, sport, and physical activity. "That includes roundabouts and buses too," he added.

The Future Basildon event provided an opportunity for the public to engage with developers and learn more about the exciting plans for the borough. Attendees were invited to speak directly with the teams behind the projects, offering insights and feedback.

A proposed map of the site was also shared, giving residents a visual representation of what the development could look like. Images from the event captured the enthusiasm and engagement of the community.