A PROPOSAL has been made to build a new Kidderminster school for vulnerable children due to “deprivation” and “lack of capacity” in the current system.

The alternative provision school would be located at the former Sladen Middle School site in Hurcott Road, which was demolished in 2009, and would aim to support children with different behavioural, social and emotional needs.

Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet is set to discuss the proposal at a meeting today (Thursday, January 30).

The agenda says Wyre Forest was identified as having a need for the provision due to the “lack of capacity” in the current system, “deprivation” in the area and the “strong support” shown for the plans by local headteachers.

Worcestershire County Council says the new school would improve access for families, who have previously struggled to access provision closer to home.

The Shuttle reported last week that a Kidderminster mum felt the education system had failed her 13-year-old son Harvey, who suffers with autism and anxiety and has been out of school for over a year.

The new Kidderminster school would work with other schools and parents to prevent exclusion, providing specialist support so children can return to mainstream education.

Alternative provision is used to make arrangements for children who, due to permanent exclusion, illness or other circumstances, would not otherwise receive a suitable education.

Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills, said: “Good quality alternative provision has a significant role in ensuring that children are educated in the right place at the right time with the right level of support.

“It can form part of an effective system of early intervention and inclusion, which is central to achieving good outcomes for vulnerable children in Worcestershire.

“I’m glad our work with the Department for Education to improve the number of alternative provision schools available in the Wyre Forest is finally coming before cabinet.”