A new chapter could soon begin for Gonerby Hill Foot Church of England Primary School in Grantham, as Lincolnshire County Council moves forward with plans to introduce a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Unit on site.
Following an initial consultation held earlier this year, the proposal has now entered a formal ‘representation period’ – and that means the local community, parents, carers and education professionals all have another chance to share their views.
What’s Being Proposed?
The Council is proposing to add a specialist SEND Unit to the school by early 2026, creating 20 new commissioned places for children with moderate Speech, Language and Communication Needs, as well as Cognition and Learning challenges. This would sit alongside the school’s existing 280 mainstream places.
The Unit would provide targeted support for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) who need more specialised provision than a standard classroom, but do not require placement in a separate special school.
The vision is clear: to give every child the opportunity to thrive in a setting that meets their needs—ideally, as close to home as possible.
Why Does This Matter?
The demand for SEND places is growing locally and across the UK. Lincolnshire’s wider strategy is to increase inclusive provision in mainstream settings by creating SEND Hubs across the county.
These units will:
- Reduce travel time and stress for pupils and families
- Allow more children to be educated within their communities
- Offer tailored teaching from SEND-trained staff
- Encourage integration and a sense of belonging
Gonerby Hill Foot is one of five Lincolnshire schools lined up for a SEND Unit in this phase, alongside schools in Caistor, Lincoln, Gainsborough, and Sleaford.
What Will It Look Like?
The Unit would be created by refurbishing existing space at the school, subject to planning approval. Construction and implementation would take place between September 2025 and January 2026.
Importantly, while the SEND Unit would provide a different educational experience, it will still be part of the wider school community, supporting inclusive education and collaboration between staff and students.
How to Have Your Say
You can comment, support or object to the proposal during the formal consultation window, which runs until 6 June 2025.
📝 Submit your views via:
- Online survey
- Email: SENDCommunities@lincolnshire.gov.uk
- Post:
School Organisation Planning Team
Lincolnshire County Council
County Offices, Newland, Lincoln LN1 1YQ
A full copy of the proposal is available on the consultation website, and response forms can be requested if needed.
Final Decision
Once the consultation closes, all responses will be reviewed before a final decision is made by the Council’s Executive Councillor by 30 June 2025.
🔍 Why This Matters to Our Community
If approved, this proposal could bring lasting benefits to local families, help reduce strain on existing SEND resources, and make sure that more children can access the right education without leaving their neighbourhood.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, resident, or advocate—this is your opportunity to shape the future of inclusive education in Grantham.
Let’s make sure every voice is heard.