Sponsor unveiled for new special school in Sheffield

A sponsor has been announced for a new special free school in Sheffield for children with the most complex learning needs.
Warren Carratt, chief executive of Nexus multi-academy trustWarren Carratt, chief executive of Nexus multi-academy trust
Warren Carratt, chief executive of Nexus multi-academy trust

Nexus Multi Academy Trust will open a new 60-place special free school for children with autism spectrum disorder and social, emotional, and mental health needs in Sheffield.

Executive director of people at Sheffield Council, Jayne Ludlam, said the school will enable youngsters with the most complex needs reach their potential.

Executive director of people at Sheffield Council Jayne LudlamExecutive director of people at Sheffield Council Jayne Ludlam
Executive director of people at Sheffield Council Jayne Ludlam
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"This is great news for Sheffield. The new school will make sure that more children with autism and social, emotional and mental health needs are able to access the education opportunities they need locally," she said.

Read More
Sheffield primary school celebrates golden anniversary

“We are looking forward to working with Nexus Multi Academy Trust and our other partners in the exciting challenge ahead and making a real difference to the children and families in our city.”

Further details about the location of the school are still to be finalised.

Executive director of people at Sheffield Council Jayne LudlamExecutive director of people at Sheffield Council Jayne Ludlam
Executive director of people at Sheffield Council Jayne Ludlam

Nexus MAT was also approved to open a 100-place school in Edenthorpe, Doncaster for children aged five to 19-years-old with complex communication and interaction needs, autism spectrum disorder and other social and mental health needs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Its chief executive, Warren Carratt, said: "We are humbled and excited to be named as the preferred sponsor to open the two new special schools.

“We look forward to working with children, families and our sister special schools across Doncaster and Sheffield to ensure that our new offer brings the choice and diversity families want and need.

"We already have a great working relationship with Doncaster and Sheffield Councils and I am thrilled to be entering into this next phase of partnership working.”

Chairman of the Nexus MAT board, Andrew Child, said: "We recognise that we have a huge responsibility here and we know that we have the skills, experience and enthusiasm to be successful.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The trust also runs Abbey School and Kelford School, both in Kimberworth, Rotherham; Rotherham Hilltop School, in Maltby; Pennine View School in Conisbrough.

Crags Community School, a mainstream primary in Maltby, is in the process of joining the trust.