A £2.5 million grant will be used to create 35 new places at a school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Rotherham.

Newman School in Whiston would have to increase from the current 160 pupils to 195 to meet demand, the Local democracy information service said.

The school wants to expand its current facilities and is expected to submit an application for planning permission to build a secondary block on the main site and renovate a Grade II listed building.

It is anticipated that the application will be submitted towards the end of 2025, with the hope that work will begin around September 2026.

The grant comes from the Department for Education’s ‘safety valve’ scheme, which aims to help councils ensure there are enough school places and resources for children with SEND.

At a meeting of Rotherham Council’s cabinet, Councilor Victoria Cusworth, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “There is always more to do, our parents and carers tell us, and this is part of this continuous improvement.”

Councilor Chris Read, leader of the council, said: “Ensuring that children are educated in the right type of environment, a high quality environment, is absolutely essential for them to get a good start in life.

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