This development comes at a crucial time, as both nationally and locally in Hull, there has been a significant increase in the number of school-age pupils with additional or special educational needs.

The growing demand for special school places, particularly for pupils with cognition and learning needs, as well as communication and interaction needs, has resulted in oversubscription across the city. To address this challenge, Christopher Pickering Primary School has worked in partnership with Hull City Council to develop an approach that increases city-wide sufficiency and ensures more children can access suitable education close to home.

The school currently has 420 pupils aged 3 - 11 on roll and already hosts a 15 place Resource Base for pupils with hearing impairments. The school’s commitment to SEN provision has always been an integral part of its offering. The expansion of the SEND Unit adds places for pupils requiring support with cognition and learning and/or communication and interaction needs and has been created by remodelling existing space within the school building, funded by Humber Education Trust.

The SEND Unit is a vital step in supporting the city’s sufficiency needs and providing inclusive education opportunities for all. The consultation period received an excellent response, with 52 submissions which were all in favour of the proposal. Feedback included positive comments such as:

“Christopher Pickering Primary is a great facility for children of all educational abilities.”

“A critical addition to supporting the SEND sufficiency issue at a local level – fantastic news for our families and young people!”

Jane Marson, Headteacher of Christopher Pickering Primary School, commented:

"We are proud to expand our provision and ensure that every child, regardless of their needs, has access to high-quality education in a supportive environment. This initiative reflects our commitment to inclusion and partnership working for the benefit of our community.”

Rachel Wilkes, CEO, added:

"At Humber Education Trust, our vision is to improve the lives and life chances of every child; the opening of this SEND Unit is a clear example of that vision in action. By creating inclusive, high-quality provision within our schools, we are ensuring that children with additional needs can thrive in a nurturing environment close to home. We are thrilled to see pupils settling in and already feeling part of the school family.”

This development represents a shared commitment between Christopher Pickering Primary School, Humber Education Trust and Hull City Council to meet the needs of our community.

Where everybody counts, every moment matters.