The need for this facility
We are committed to increasing the number of places for children and young people with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) within the local area. Demand for Specialist School places has been greater than our capacity, and this has meant we have to rely on out-of-county placements. This is a lot more expensive, and does not deliver such good outcomes for the child or young person, as they cannot get the support they need close to home and family. There is currently no SEND residential provision in the area that caters for the needs of our most complex and vulnerable children.
The scope of the scheme
The location of the scheme will be Charlton House, a vacant former residential care home. We plan to transform this into a school and two residential homes for children aged 11 to 18 with complex needs, including Autism and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges.
The school will offer 30 placements and will include secure, modern teaching and social spaces, along with external gardens and sensory areas. The two homes will each offer accommodation for 4 children, with sleep-in staff provision, living and support spaces and a house garden.
The new school and homes are planned to open in September 2027.
Call for bids to manage these facilities
The school
This school will be deemed a free school, and we are running a process of inviting proposals from appropriate academy trusts to take on this important project.
View the specification for a new Special Free School in Bath and North East Somerset
The children's homes
A separate procurement process is taking place to find a provider to manage the two children's homes. We expect this to conclude with the selection of a provider in September 2026.
Project timeline
Specification published
Completed
Market engagement
Completed
Submissions deadline
Completed
Planning application submission
Completed
Assessment panels and due diligence
Completed
Local Authority recommendation to the Secretary of State (via the Regional Director)
On target
Regional Director informs the LA and successful proposer of its decision
On target
Selection of provider for school and children's home services
On target
Planning decision
On target
Construction
On target
School and homes open
On target