The Royal Borough of Greenwich has announced a major new investment of £36.4million in education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (Send).
Subject to approval, £24million for the primary phase of the Rowan Wood all through SEND school at Gallions Mount and £12.4million for a multi-use SEND centre at Bexley Road, Eltham will ensure children and young people in Royal Greenwich have the right support to thrive, from their early years all the way through to adulthood.
Our new Transition Learning Centre will be purpose built to meet demand for support for young people up to 25-years-old who have SEND.
This comes on top of existing investment for the secondary and post 16 phase of the all through school on Hargood Road, due to open in early 2026, which will provide 128 places for young people aged 11 to 19. Together, these developments mark the borough’s biggest ever investment in SEND education.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: “We’ve worked hard to secure millions of pounds from developers so that every resident benefits from growth in our borough. This record £36.4 million investment in SEND facilities is about Getting Things Done, and making sure more children are great in Greenwich and have the very best start in life.”
“Families have told us they need more support, and we’ve listened. This investment is about nailing the basics and building for the future.”
Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “Demand for SEND support has never been higher, and it's only going to increase. Too many children are having to travel to high cost placements out of the borough. That’s why we’re stepping up with new schools and new facilities that will lead the way in what local specialist support can look like. This record investment will transform the lives of children, young people and their families for decades to come.”
Part of this proposal is subject to Cabinet approval on Wednesday, 19 November.
This investment comes from ringfenced grants and the Council's negotiations with developers to secure £60million that it can use to focus on the things that it knows really matter to residents – because they matter to the Council too. The money is part of the council's Getting Things Done drive which can’t be used to offset any future deficits.
Announcements will be made weekly: Visit royalgreenwich.gov.uk/Getting-Things-Done or follow the Council on WhatsApp to be the first to know.