Residents invited to view proposals for new specialist school supporting Bury's most vulnerable young people

Bury Council is committed to making sure every child has access to the right support to succeed in education.

For some pupils, this means providing specialist provision that goes beyond what can be delivered in a mainstream classroom.

The proposed Ash Grove Alternative Provision Academy would bring together services that are currently spread across different locations, creating a purpose-designed learning environment focused on improving outcomes, wellbeing and future opportunities.

By bringing pupils, staff and support services together in one location, the facility would create more opportunities for personalised learning, improve access to specialist support and help deliver better educational and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people who face significant barriers to learning.

Residents are being invited to attend a public engagement session to find out more about plans for the new specialist education facility in Radcliffe and share their views about the proposals.

• Tuesday 29 September, from 5-8pm, at the Growing Together Radcliffe Centre, Westminster Avenue, Radcliffe, M26 3WD

Residents will have the opportunity to meet representatives from Bury Council, the project design team and education partners, view the emerging proposals, ask questions and provide feedback before a planning application is submitted.

The public engagement session forms part of the pre-planning consultation process, and the feedback gathered will be considered as proposals are developed ahead of submission of a planning application.

Councillor Sandra Walmsley, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“We are committed to improving education across the borough and our plans include strengthening the support available for children and young people who need more help than a typical classroom environment can provide.

"The proposed Ash Grove Alternative Provision Academy would create a dedicated facility where specialist teaching, support and resources can be brought together to better meet the needs of some of Bury's most vulnerable learners.

“The proposal reflects our commitment to making sure every child has access to the right education, in the right environment, at the right time.

"We are keen to hear from local residents and ensure they have an opportunity to understand the proposals, ask questions and share their views. This engagement event is an important part of the process and will help inform the development of the scheme before it progresses further."