Rowan Centre's £442,000 refurb to meet growing demand

The Rowan Centre at Rawmarsh had also been used as a specialist centre for pregnant schoolgirls and teen mums, allowing them to stay in education.

The last pupils with special educational needs to be taught there were moved to the £4.5 million Elements Academy, on the former college campus at Dinnington.

That left the Rowan mothballed, as expressions of interest were invited from Rotherham Council from providers to keep the building within the educational sector.

Nexus Multi Academy Trust was picked as the chosen partner out of three bids for the building, and now the newly-renamed Forest View will open with 50 places in September.

It will act as a satellite site to Nexus’ Hilltop and Kelford special schools, freeing up 25 places each in Maltby and Kimberworth respectively.

Cllr Victoria Cusworth, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I am really pleased that plans are being put forward to reopen the Rowan Centre, creating much needed additional special educational needs placements.

“It is crucial that all students receive the high-quality education they deserve, and that this is delivered in the right environment to suit their individual needs.”

Statistics show that 20.4 per cent of pupils have special educational needs compared to the England average of 18.2.

The refurbishment of the former Rowan is expected to cost £442,000, with Nexus contributing £72,000.

In June, RMBC’s cabinet approved a strategy to ensure school sites are accessible for youngsters with special educational needs.

On Monday (7), cabinet members approved the Rowan centre’s new use.

Cllr Cusworth said: “Here in Rotherham a fifth of our pupils are registered as having special educational needs, so it is vital we make sure they are catered for so they can live their best lives and reach their full potential.

“We are committed to giving every child and young person the best start in life.”

This proposal comes as a new website has been launched for families with a young person with SEND, at www.rotherhamsendlocaloffer.org.uk. Features include epilepsy safe mode, visually impaired mode, cognitive disability mode, ADHD friendly mode and a blindness mode.