Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council and Lead Member for Children’s Services & Education:
"I am hugely disappointed that the Department for Education has decided not to proceed with the planned new 150 place special free school on Tanworth Lane. This school would have provided specialist spaces for pupils aged 11–19 whose needs cannot currently be met in mainstream education.
"While I regret that Solihull will not receive the capital funding for a new school building, I welcome the investment that has been allocated to create new specialist places in other ways. This funding will allow us to act sooner, ensuring that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can access the support they need closer to home, and in many cases at schools near where they live.
"I want to reassure parents and families that we will work closely with schools to expand provision, develop inclusive mainstream opportunities, and listen carefully to the voices of parents and carers. By creating specialist places linked to existing schools, we can meet demand more quickly and provide high quality education and support for children who need it most.
"Although this is much less funding than would have been required to build a new school, it is still an investment for Solihull’s children and families. We are determined to use it effectively to deliver inclusive, sustainable provision that helps our young people learn, achieve, and thrive."