SEND provision consultation

Help shape the future of SEND provision on the Isle of Wight

This is a consultation on Isle of Wight Council proposals to increase SEND provision for Island children.

We are asking communities to share their views on proposals, the key aim of the proposed programme is to provide specialist education placement for additional children from September 2026 and beyond.

The proposals continue to support the Island's education strategy — an overarching masterplan to transform the school system from one that has consistently underperformed compared to national trends, to one that is recognised nationally for the quality of its education.

  • consultation opens Friday 21 November 2025
  • consultation closes Friday 19 December 2025

All Island residents’ input is welcomed.

Why is this happening?

Contrary to the declining birth rate, the Island has seen a significant growth in the need for additional special educational needs provision. The proposed additional SEND provision will help manage an increase in the number of children with complex high anxiety mental health requiring a specialist education placement and ensure we are able to meet the needs of children requiring specialist provision.

What the consultation is asking about

The consultation seeks to expand SEND provision at the following places:

  • expansion of Lionheart School from 120 to 180 places with additional places for children with complex high anxiety mental health (Non- EHCP/Section 19 children) being provided at the former Cowes Primary School site, Cowes. Planned for September 2026.

Public notices

Download short notice Lionheart School (PDF, 111KB)

Download the Lionheart School full statutory notice (PDF, 170KB)

How can I comment?

It is important that we hear the views of all those affected by the proposals and properly understand any impact on the wider community. We will continue to discuss options with staff and parents throughout the consultation process.

There are several ways you can let us know what you think

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