Twenty four places are now available at Oaktree Nursery and Primary School following a £500,000 investment supported by Swindon Borough Council. A previously unused building has been converted into a purpose-built unit ahead of the new academic year.
The new facilities include a dedicated play park and a specialist sensory room.
A further 24 places have been established at Mountford Manor Primary School as part of a wider programme to increase SEND provision across the borough.
Last year, Swindon Borough Council received a £3.4 million grant from the Department for Education to expand specialist education. In February 2025, Cabinet Members agreed to use the funding to enhance existing provision and develop new Complex Needs Units in both primary and secondary schools.
In total, 158 new places are expected to be delivered. This includes 20 specialist places recently opened at Eldene Nursery and Primary School and Robert Le Kyng Primary School.
Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, Cabinet Member for Education, said:
“Ensuring every child in Swindon has access to the support they need to thrive is one of our top priorities. The investment at Oaktree and Mountford Manor Primary Schools means more families will benefit from high-quality, specialist education in their community.
“This expansion reflects our commitment to meeting growing demand and creating modern, well-equipped learning environments for children closer to home.”
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said:
“It was great to visit the new SEND unit at Oaktree today and see the difference this investment is already making for local families. The £500,000 funding here, alongside the wider £3.4m programme, is helping us create the high-quality, inclusive places in Swindon. I’m proud of the progress we’re making to deliver a fairer Swindon.”
Gary Evans, CEO of The Blue Kite Academy Trust, which oversees Oaktree Primary and Robert Le Kyng Primary, said:
“We are delighted to mark the opening of our new SEND units, a significant investment in ensuring that children with complex and additional needs receive the specialist support they deserve. T
his dedicated provision reflects the shared commitment of our schools and the Trust, to create inclusive environments where every child can thrive, achieve their potential and feel a true sense of belonging.
“By combining high-quality teaching, specialist expertise and carefully designed learning spaces, the units will enable us to provide tailored support for children with complex needs while keeping them connected to the wider school community.
To mark the progress, councillors visited Oaktree Nursery and Primary School on Wednesday 12 March to meet pupils using the new unit.
