Resourced Provision Consultation

The Inspire Learning Parnership have had approval to work with Hampshire County Council in exploring the possibility of establishing a new Resourced Provision (RP) at Blackfield Primary and Nursery School. This development is designed to support pupils aged 4-11 with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. 

A resourced provision is a special area within a primary school designed to help children with specific needs, such as Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. 

Here are some key points about a RP: 

• Supportive Environment: It provides a safe and nurturing space where these children can learn and develop at their own pace. 
• Specialised Staff: Trained staff work closely with the children, offering tailored support and strategies to help them thrive. 
• Small Groups: The provision usually has a smaller number of pupils, allowing for more individual attention and support. 
• Integration: Children in the resourced provision are still part of the main school community. They may join their classmates for certain activities, promoting inclusion. 
• Focus on Skills: The aim is to help these children build essential skills, confidence, and resilience so they can succeed both academically and socially. 

In summary, a resourced provision helps ensure that all children, especially those with additional needs, receive the support they need to reach their full potential in a welcoming and inclusive environment. 

The proposed Resourced Provision will cater to up to 9 pupils and would open in phases, with an earliest start date of September 2025. The aim of this initiative is to provide targeted, specialist support within our school community, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential. 

We are optimistic about the positive impact that this provision could have on our school and the wider community, and we are committed to working closely with Hampshire County Council to ensure a smooth and successful implementation if the proposal goes ahead. 

Please click on the two sections below for further information.

Consultation

Blackfield Primary School and Hampshire County Council would like to hear your views regarding the proposed Resourced Provision and are consulting with local residents and key stake holders from 18th November - 16th December 2024, 12pm. Council and School staff will then take into consideration all the consultation responses before deciding whether to submit a business case to the Department for Education Regional Director for formal approval. 

A public drop-in event will be held at the school on Wednesday 4th December between 3:30pm and 6pm in Blackfield Primary’s school hall. If you are unable to make this, please send in your views and queries by email to bps.consultation@ilpartnership.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Why do you need to develop a Resourced Provision for pupils with Social Emotional and Mental Health at the school?

Answer: Hampshire County Council are committed to developing and maintaining specialist provision, where possible, to meet demand. Currently the need to provide specialist support for pupils with SEMH in this area of the County is a priority. Blackfield Primary and Nursery School explored with the Local Authority the potential to establish a Resourced Provision at their school.

Question: What will be the impact on pupils at Blackfield Primary and Nursery school?

Answer: This will give the opportunity for Blackfield Primary and Nursery School to further enhance their inclusion and wellbeing offer to all pupils as this will positively impact pupils across the school and not just those in the provision. Whilst the pupils admitted into the Resourced Provision will take priority, Blackfield Primary and Nursery School will be able to use the facilities that the Resourced Provision has to benefit pupils already at the school and support continuous professional development of staff across the school with training and knowledge being shared by staff within the Resourced Provision across the school.

Question: Will the school receive additional funding due to the numbers increasing?

Answer: Blackfield Primary and Nursery School will receive additional funding based on the increase in number of pupils on their roll. This will provide the additional staffing and resources required.

Question: Why do you need to enlarge the school?

Answer: There is an increased and growing need to provide support for pupils with SEMH in the New Forest district of Hampshire. This proposal will provide much needed specialist educational accommodation to meet current and future demand.

Blackfield Primary and Nursery School is successfully meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs (SEN) and has the site available and leadership expertise to expand to encompass catering for pupils with SEMH in a safe and secure environment.

Question: What building works will be taking place?

Answer: Blackfield already has adequate space within the building to support a Resourced Provision. Only minor adjustments and funding will be needed to make the space appropriate for up to 9 pupils with SEMH needs.

Costs include all capital works, IT and fixed furniture and equipment. These works will allow the school to add a Resourced Provision which will add an additional up to 9 places over 3 years starting from September 2025. SEN High Needs Provision capital is available to fund these costs.

Question: When will the building works start and how will you ensure the health and safety of pupils attending the school whilst the works are taking place?

Answer: It is planned that any adjustments to the physical space will be complete during the half term and summer school holidays. Health and safety of pupils, staff and visitors is paramount. The school works with construction partners who have significant experience of working on school sites. 

Question: Will I have the opportunity to discuss the proposal and ask questions?

Answer: A drop-in session where you will be able to discuss the proposal will take place on the Wednesday 4th December between 3:30pm and 6pm at Blackfield Primary and Nursery School.

If you are unable to attend and wish to email your views please send them to: bps.consultation@ilparnership.org. 

All comments must be received by 16th December 2024, 12pm.

Question: What happens after this consultation?

Answer: This consultation will run from 18th November to 16th December 2024. The Inspire Learning Partnership and Hampshire County Council will then consider the consultation responses, received in writing, before deciding whether the proposal should continue to the formal publication stage.

If so, a statutory public notice will be published, setting out the Local Authorities intent to increase the capacity of the school. It is anticipated that this will be published in Spring 2025.

After the date of publication, there will be a four-week period in which any representations can be made. After the conclusion of this period, the Local Authority will decide whether to proceed with the proposal. It is anticipated that a decision will be made in Summer 2025.