March 2026 Kirklees SEND Newsletter
New school approved to support complex needs
A new school is set to be created in Kirklees, giving another boost to the number of local places for children and young people with SEND.
It will be a specialist ‘alternative provision’ school for up to 125 pupils and will support those aged 8 to 16 with complex needs.
Alternative provision often refers to education for those who are unable to attend a mainstream or special school and are not educated at home.
To read more about this exciting development, please visit the Kirklees Together website.
Special school project takes another big step forward
An ambitious project to build brand-new facilities for vulnerable pupils has reached its latest, crucial milestone.
Kirklees Council is funding the multi-million pound rebuild of Joseph Norton Academy, which will increase its pupil numbers and move to a new location in Deighton, Huddersfield.
Joseph Norton Academy caters for Social and Emotional and Mental Health Needs. Special guests visited the new site in February to mark the completion of the main structural frame.
All the details are on the Kirklees Together website.
SEND careers event – come along for free
A special FREE event is being held to support young with people with SEND who are looking for careers inspiration.
Aimed at 14 to 25-year-olds, the Next Steps Careers event will be packed with employers, training providers and expert advice, helping young people and their families to plan with confidence.
It’s jointly funded by Kirklees Council and Calderdale Council, and hosted by C+K Careers.
Come along on Wednesday March 25th (noon to 5pm) at The Holiday Inn, Brighouse, HD6 4HW.
Further information – including how to book your free place – can be found on Kirklees Together.
A wide range of education support
The Kirklees SEND partnership aims for all of our children and young people to achieve the best possible outcomes.
We have a range of education support to meet the needs of pupils with SEND and, very importantly, the type each child receives is based on their individual needs.
This is outlined in what’s called the ‘Continuum of Support’, which gives a summary of local provision. The latest version is on the Local Offer website.
Parent/carer groups key to local changes
As you may know, the government has announced a number of proposed changes to the schools and SEND systems around the country.
The reforms will apply to all areas and, here in Kirklees, we’re already thinking about how to make those changes in a way that works well for local families.
The government announcement was very wide ranging, so this is a long and complex process. However, it’s vital to us that the changes in Kirklees reflect the views of our children, young people, parents, carers and families.
Workshops are taking place over the next few weeks and - along with SEND professionals – local parent/carer groups will be at the heart of those discussions. We’re always committed to seeking the views of children and families, and this has never been more important.
Feedback from the workshops will help to shape the local response to the government proposals.
The government has published several documents about its plans, including an easy-read version. They are on the government website.
en-GBLast updated: 10/03/2026