FAQs
What is the plan?
It is proposed to create a new ERP at John Shelton Primary School. The ERP will include a sensory area, one class base centre, access to a suitable external environment for exploration, learning and play. The ERP will provide for 10 children who have an EHCP, in order to support children with a broad range of additional need, which presents them with barriers to curriculum access.
The provision will be delivered by suitably qualified, experienced and trained teacher and supported by teaching assistants. They would be fully integrated members of the school, working in close partnership with and/or supervised by the Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO).
Children attending the provision will be on the roll of the school and the school will be named in part of a child’s Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The profile of need will reflect the admissions criteria agreed within the service level agreement (partnership agreement).
Surveyors working on behalf of Coventry City Council have confirmed that it is possible to expand the school on the current site, without negatively impacting the current provision on site.
Why are you doing this?
The number of children in Coventry, with EHCPs maintained by the City Council has significantly increased over the last seven years with a 50% growth. The proposed creation of an ERP at John Shelton Primary School is part of a wider expansion strategy to address the pressure of demand for specialist places.
This project provides an opportunity to open an ERP at Ofsted rated ‘Good’ school. It would provide a future-proofed, fit for purpose educational environment enhancing opportunities for both existing and future Coventry pupils.
How will this be paid for?
Funding for the project will come from several sources.
The education capital budget will provide the majority of the funding, with S106 funding from the nearby housing developments, where Education has requested contributions to expand SEN provision in the area, being utilised.
Alongside funding from the Special Provision Fund which is dedicated towards the expansion of specialist places.
where can I ask questions
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact the Council via email: education.consultations@coventry.gov.uk.
When do you plan to start work?
We are looking to commence work July/August 2025 and should be completed in January 2026.
When will the additional school places be avaialble?
The work should be completed by January 2026 and the provision will be available in January 2026.