A total of 44 schools and education settings are benefiting from nearly £1million in funding aimed at enhancing inclusion and support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
This significant investment is helping to create safe, nurturing, and inclusive spaces within mainstream schools, with many projects already leaving a positive impact on pupils across the Borough.
All schools in North Tyneside were invited to apply for their share of the funding by proposing projects designed to strengthen their ability to meet the diverse needs of children and young people.
Almost a year on from receiving funding ten new projects are in place in local schools, with more than 30 currently underway.
At Collingwood Primary School in North Shields the funding was used to transform its existing sensory room into what staff now proudly refer to as a “safe haven.”
“We’ve created a nurturing and inclusive environment that empowers children to build essential self-regulation skills,” said a teacher at Collingwood, adding this dedicated space enables our pupils to thrive both emotionally and academically.”
The newly revamped room provides a calm, supportive area which supports children’s emotional health and wellbeing needs to be effectively met.
Meanwhile, at George Stephenson High School, £35,000 in funding has helped bring a long-term vision to life: the transformation of the school’s former caretaker’s bungalow into a purpose-built wellbeing hub known as The Stephenson Centre.
Designed as a calm, structured space for students who benefit from additional support, The Stephenson Centre has become integral to the school’s personal development and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) provision.
Since its opening in September 2024, the school has reported a 60% reduction in suspensions compared to the previous year, alongside a marked improvement in attendance rates.
Mark Mirfin, Head of Service for Commissioning, Partnerships and Transformation at North Tyneside Council, said: “We believe every single child deserves the best possible education and this funding is a real step forward to making that a reality. It’s about empowering our schools to create inclusive, supportive environments where all children can thrive.
“It’s inspirational to witness the creative and impactful way schools are using the investment to foster a more inclusive environment for all their children.
“We’re already seeing how impactful these spaces have been in increasing engagement, improving attendance and supporting emotional regulation. With more than 30 projects still underway, the positive impact is set to grow even further”
The work forms part of our ongoing ambition to create more opportunities and ensure the right support is in place at the right time for each young person with SEND.