The Isle of Wight Council has expanded specialist education provision across the Island, increasing local support for children and young people with additional needs.

The investment reflects the council’s ambition for every child and young person to enjoy an educational experience that inspires them, nurtures their potential and equips them with the confidence and skills they need for a positive future.

A key priority for the council is ensuring families can access appropriate provision close to home, reducing the need for out-of-area placements and enabling young people to remain connected to their local communities.

Two major developments, both located at former primary school sites, have now been completed.

At the former Chillerton and Rookley Primary School site, 30 new specialist places have been created for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

The provision will operate as a satellite of Medina House School, increasing the Island’s capacity to support children with complex SEMH needs within specialist education settings.

This expansion will help ensure more children can access appropriate SEND provision locally, closer to home and family support networks.

Meanwhile, the former Cowes Primary School site has now been redeveloped to create 60 specialist education places for secondary‑age pupils.

Commissioned under Section 19 of the Education Act, the provision supports children and young people who cannot attend mainstream school due to medical needs or other circumstances requiring the local authority to arrange suitable alternative education.

Operated by Lionheart School, the provision offers a dedicated learning environment for pupils who require tailored educational arrangements because of their health needs.

While some pupils may also have special educational needs, SEN is not a requirement for access to this provision, which is focused on ensuring continuity of education for children who are medically unable to attend their usual school.

Councillor Paul Brading, chair of the council’s children’s services, education and skills committee, said: “We are committed to ensuring that every child and young person with SEND has access to an educational environment that meets their needs and helps them flourish.

“The expansion of specialist places is an important milestone for SEND education on the Isle of Wight and represents a significant step forward in strengthening local provision and supporting families.

“Parents have been very clear about the need for more specialist support here on the Island, and I’m pleased we are delivering facilities that will make a real difference to children’s lives.

“Our priority is to ensure every young person can access the right support without having to travel far from their community.”