WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has urged the Reform-led Worcestershire County Council not to cancel plans for a new school in Malvern.
The MP has campaigned for a new specialist school for children with extra needs since 2015 and succeeded in making the case for a new school under the previous Government in 2022.
Dame Harriett has written to County Councillor Stephen Foster, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Education and SEND, asking for an update on the status of the proposals after reports that the new school is under threat.
The school is expected to open for new pupils in 2027 with 120 spaces for 5–19-year-olds at its Poolbrook site in Malvern.
Dame Harriett said: “I campaigned hard for a new autism free school in Malvern after speaking with local families and schools about the challenges in the SEND system.
“The Council currently spends millions a year on SEND services, with much of that going to out-of-county providers. This much-needed school has the potential to give a vital boost to both local special and mainstream capacity, whilst delivering major cost savings.
“I am very concerned to hear that the school may no longer go ahead as planned under the new Reform administration. I was delighted when it was given funding and the green light under the last Government, a provider has been chosen and it is essential that it remains on track now.”
