A proposed expansion would create 100 much-needed special school places and ensure more Bolton children can be educated closer to home.
Bolton Council’s Cabinet will consider plans for a new Firwood School post-16 facility on land adjacent to the Jubilee Centre on Crompton Way.
Run by the Woodbridge Academy Trust, Firwood School provides education from Year 11 to Year 14 for students with severe and profound learning difficulties.
Work to extend the school’s existing Stitch-me-Lane site was completed in 2022, but more places are needed to meet growing demand.
With no further room to expand at their existing home, the council has been working with the trust to find alternative sites elsewhere in the borough.
The Jubilee Centre, which officially opened in 2023, is managed by the Bolton Cares Group and provides community-based services for adults with learning disabilities.
During development, council-owned land next to the facility was identified as a potential future site for a special school.
As well as delivering 100 new post-16 places at Crompton Way, the proposed expansion would also free up additional space for Year 7 to Year 11 pupils at Stitch-me-Lane.
Locating a new school next to the Jubilee Centre would also create opportunities for Bolton Cares and Woodbridge Academy Trust to collaborate and work in partnership to deliver better outcomes for all service users.
The proposals follow a consultation during which 86% of respondents were in favour of the school expanding and 76% agreeing that the site was appropriate.
If agreed by cabinet, the building would be subject to the regular planning process including further consultation and a full assessment of the suitability of site.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Martin Donaghy, said:
“Like many areas, Bolton is seeing an increase in demand for special school places and a lack of capacity leaves us reliant on placements outside the borough.
“Not only does this mean additional costs for council tax payers, but it means pupils are being educated outside of their community away from their friends and family.
“These proposals offer a potential solution to this challenge while also providing a closer working relationship between Bolton Cares and the academy trust.”
Jennifer Moore, Chief Financial Officer at Woodbridge Trust, said:
“Woodbridge Trust are excited about the potential new build off Crompton Way which would provide accessible, adaptive learning spaces, equipped with assistive technology.
“The co-location next to the Jubilee Centre would create a safe and inclusive environment that fosters acceptance, diversity – reducing social anxiety for our children and young people.
“Our aim at Woodbridge trust is ‘Inspiring Successful Futures for All’, the sixth form would ensure higher success rates in gaining qualifications, employment or independent living through links with the Jubilee Centre.
“The proximity of the project to the Jubilee Centre would allow for us to be outward facing in the local community, improving independence, build self-resilience, decision making and personal development.
“The opportunities to build peer support networks and for young people to connect with others facing similar challenges would improve social skills and confidence for both parties.
“Students from Firwood are currently working within the Jubilee Centre enabling real life work experiences within a supportive environment.
“The potential for future synergies is huge and would impact positively on the lives of some of the most vulnerable people within Bolton.”
Lica Marchant, Head of Service for Life Opportunities, Short Breaks and Shared Lives at Bolton Cares, said:
“Everyone at the Jubilee Community Centre and Pool would be delighted to welcome Firwood into what is a thriving community of assets and activities, where we celebrate diversity and inclusion, develop friendships, and look after our health and wellbeing.
“The opportunities for collaboration on events would enrich the lives of both groups and promote a culture of support, learning and development.
“The proximity of the proposed Firwood development to our own Life Opportunities service at the Jubilee means we could truly adopt a sense of community and belonging and encourage social interactions and friendships between both communities.
“There would be natural opportunities for positive role modelling from adults to younger people, inspiring confidence and ambition.
“The synergy between both developments and the chance for us to bridge the transitions for students into adulthood is very exciting, and we’re looking forward to a partnership where we can offer both support and guidance at this critical phase in people’s lives.
“Overall, this new initiative has the potential to greatly enhance the lives of people with disabilities, and promote growth, independence, and sense of belonging within the community.”