City school to get new unit dedicated to children with learning difficulties

The unit is set to open in 2027

The refurbishment of a primary school in Stanground is set to benefit from a new specialist unit for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The work will see a space at Southfields Primary School that is currently underutilised comprehensively refurbished to create a dedicated SEND Specialist Unit for 38 children. Set to open in 2027, the facility will welcome pupils aged five to 11 with autism spectrum disorder and associated learning difficulties.

The refurbishment is part of the council’s commitment to ensuring every child and young person in the city will have access to quality education in their local community, and have their needs met by trained staff, regardless of their individual requirements.

Councillor Katy Cole, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said the council was “proud to take this important step” in helping to provide a nurturing and inspiring environment that will enable every child to flourish.

“By investing in inclusive provision, we are making strong inroads into ensuring that children and families can remain rooted in their communities while benefiting from specialist support,” she said.

At present, 66 primary-aged children in Peterborough are waiting for specialist SEND placements, none of which are likely to become available until September 2027.

Cllr Cole said: “Our vision is for every child to experience belonging and opportunity in their local school, supported by trained staff who share our commitment. This new unit will help us realise this key aim and I look forward to seeing it established.”

The remodelling work at Southfields Primary School was authorised by Peterborough City Council at a Cabinet meeting on March 24.