Better education closer to home – council delivers on promise

North Lincolnshire Council will create a new rural school in Broughton as part of its commitment to ensure more children with additional needs can learn closer to home.

The new 20-place school, to be run by The Coritani Academy, is backed by a £450,000 investment and responds to growing demand for children with additional needs – a challenge made harder in rural communities.

It is part of the council’s commitment to keep more children connected to their families, friends and communities while giving them the support they need to thrive.

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Parents, grandparents and teachers tell me all the time that more and more children are needing extra support and that, for some, the traditional classroom environment simply isn’t the right fit.

“We have listened and we are doing something about it. We don’t just say we want every child to have the best possible start in life – we back those words up with action.

“We made a commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of children and young people across North Lincolnshire, and this is another example of us keeping that promise.”

The council is already rolling out specialist resource provisions and study hubs across primary and secondary schools, creating calmer spaces and smaller teaching environments for children who need extra support while allowing them to remain part of everyday school life alongside their friends.

These plans will create more than 200 additional places across North Lincolnshire over the coming years, helping more children remain supported within their own communities wherever possible.

The investment also follows North Lincolnshire Council’s recent Outstanding children’s services judgement from independent inspectors Ofsted.

The Outstanding judgement also recognised the council’s wider commitment to supporting children with additional needs, with inspectors praising strong partnership working, early support and tailored help for disabled children and those with additional needs.

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children, families and young people, said: “We know that when children stay in their own schools, close to home, surrounded by friends and trusted adults, they thrive. Parents feel supported. Teachers feel empowered. And children grow in confidence.

“Children remember the moments they felt safe, included and understood. This is about creating more of those moments, while making sure children still feel part of their school and community every single day.”

The new school provision will see a vacant building repurposed to create the new spaces for up to 20 pupils.