A CONSULTATION has been launched to get parents, carers and residents opinions on plans for special educational needs schools.

A 10-year-draft plan prepared by Wigan Council includes proposals to build a new school at the current site of Rowan Tree Primary School in Atherton or at a new location in Leigh.

There are also plans to extend Oakfield High School in Hindley and carry out adjustments, or to provide off-site provision temporarily to meet the high demand required.

The town hall says there is a need for additional provision across the borough but specifically in the Leigh area.

The local authority is asking people to give their views on the proposals which are designed to meet the long-term needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The deadline for the consultation is Friday, March 1.

The proposed approach would be phased over ten years and includes building schools and creating more places where current facilities are outdated and need investment.

Feedback from an informal consultation last year was supportive of the special school provision already on offer and there was overwhelming support for schools to be retained.

The council is also considering help and provision needed in others areas such as resourced provision and outreach support.

Cllr Jenny Bullen, cabinet member for children and young people at Wigan Council, said: “This is a long-term plan which will ensure pupils get the very best education from schools which are modern and have the most up-to-date facilities.

“In some cases we are proposing to build new schools where the existing buildings need significant investment which will mean fantastic new facilities for our young people.

“We are already so proud of the brilliant provision we have in place and are confident this investment will put us in a strong position to meet future demand so our children and young people get the best education and support.

“It is also important that we continue to look at SEND provision in our mainstream schools to ensure that it is well resourced and meets the needs of our children and young people.”

Other proposals in the 10-year draft include:

Hope School in Wigan – proposal to build a new school on a new site at Montrose Avenue at Central Park.

Landgate School in Ashton-in-Makerfield – proposal to build a new school on the current or new site. Minor improvement works to be carried out to the existing school.

Willow Grove Primary School in Ashton-in-Makerfield – proposal to build a new school on the current or a new site. The available land would allow us to build a new school whilst maintaining the provision in the current buildings.

There are currently no proposals for Newbridge Learning Community School in Platt Bridge.

To give your opinion on the consultation visit wigan.gov.uk/consultations.