New School In Wakefield For Children With SEND

Something really positive is happening for education in Wakefield. A brand-new school has just opened its doors, and it’s a bit different from the rest. It’s called Hammer Lane Academy, and it represents a huge step forward for local children and their families, especially those who need a little extra support. This isn't just another building; it's a dedicated place designed to help kids thrive, right on their doorstep. For years, finding the right school environment has been a challenge for many, but this new academy aims to change that story for the better in the Wakefield district.

A new kind of school in Sharlston

Right, so what’s the big deal about Hammer Lane Academy? Well, it’s Wakefield’s very first Special Independent School. Imagine a school built from the ground up to understand and support children who find mainstream education a bit tricky. That's exactly what this is. Based in Sharlston, the academy officially welcomed its first pupils back in September. This new school offers specialist education for children with specific needs. Think of kids who might be dealing with social, emotional, and mental health challenges, or those with autism and communication difficulties. The academy is a safe, understanding place for them. The project came about through a clever partnership between Wakefield Council and the Waterton Academy Trust. The Trust already has a brilliant reputation for its expertise in inclusive and specialist education, so they’re the perfect people for the job. And it was all funded by a Council-approved capital grant, showing a real commitment to making this happen for the community's children.

Why this new school is so important for Wakefield families

So, why now? What’s the rush? Actually, there’s a massive and growing need for this kind of specialist provision, not just in Wakefield but across the whole country. Over the last decade, the number of children needing extra support has shot up. To get a bit technical for a moment, let’s talk about EHCPs, or Education, Health and Care Plans. An EHCP is basically a personalised plan for a child with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). It outlines exactly what support they need to get the most out of their education. Between 2014/15 and 2023/24, the number of these plans in the UK went up by a whopping 140%. That puts a huge strain on a council’s high needs budget – the pot of money set aside for this kind of support. By building a local school like Hammer Lane Academy, Wakefield is tackling the problem head-on, creating a sustainable solution that benefits everyone. This is a key part of a much bigger plan to boost SEND capacity and improve outcomes for young people.

What's it like inside the new academy?

The new academy is on the site of the old nursery at Sharlston Community School. But it’s had a complete makeover. The building has been totally refurbished to create a modern, welcoming, and nurturing place for children to learn. The goal was to build an environment that feels safe and supportive, which is so important for pupils with SEND. The school is starting small to make sure every child gets the attention they need. Initially, it has 20 places for Key Stage 1 pupils (that’s kids aged around five to seven). Over time, it will grow to its full capacity of 30. This smaller size helps create a real sense of community and ensures the specialist care and education are top-tier. The focus on inclusion means every aspect of the school day is designed to help children with their emotional development, as well as their academic learning. This kind of environment is designed to support children who need help with:

• Social, emotional, and mental health needs
• Autism spectrum conditions
• Communication difficulties

Keeping children close to home

One of the biggest wins of this new school is that it helps reduce something called 'out-of-area placements'. Imagine having to travel for miles every single day, sometimes to a completely different district, just to get to a school that understands your needs. It’s disruptive for the children, incredibly stressful for families, and it’s also really expensive. Creating more local specialist places means more children can get a fantastic education without all that upheaval. It’s all about community-based education – helping children learn and grow within their own community, surrounded by familiar faces and places. This helps them feel grounded and gives them a much better chance to thrive.

Cllr Margaret Isherwood, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, explained it perfectly:

“This new school is a fantastic example of how we’re investing in inclusive, community-based education that meets the needs of our children and families. By creating local specialist places, we’re reducing the need for costly and disruptive out-of-area placements and helping children thrive closer to home.”

A partnership built for success

This whole project is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when organisations work together. The partnership between Wakefield Council and the Waterton Academy Trust has been central to getting Hammer Lane Academy off the ground. The council provided the vision and the funding, while the trust brought its deep knowledge of SEND and inclusion. It's this shared goal – to provide the absolute best care and education for every child – that makes this special independent school so promising. They are not just focused on getting kids through the door; they want to see amazing outcomes for every single pupil.

Laura Thresh, the Head of SEND and Inclusion at Waterton Academy Trust, shared her excitement about the new venture:

“We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to Wakefield Council for their valued partnership with Waterton Academy Trust, united in our shared commitment to providing exceptional care and education for every child. The opening of our new Wakefield provision marks an exciting new chapter, and we’re eager to see the positive difference it will make for children and their families. Together, we aim to help every child thrive, reach their full potential, and achieve the highest possible milestones during their time with us.”

It’s clear that Hammer Lane Academy is more than just a school; it's a promise to the children and families of Wakefield.