New SEND school near Dartmoor set to open as Marjon confirms plans
Plymouth Marjon University is set to welcome a new specialist SEND provision in Derriford, with Elementa Education Group confirmed as the education provider
A new school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is due to open on the northern edge of Plymouth and close to the Dartmoor National Park.
Plymouth Marjon University (PMU) announced earlier this week (7 September) that its Studio School building in Derriford will become home to a new SEND provision run by Elementa Education Group.
A five-year lease of the building to the specialist education and support provider has been confirmed by the university.
The new provision will include Elmtree Learning Partnership alternative provision and Elmtree Sands SEND School for pupils in Year 6 to Year 11.
PMU said the provision will offer tailored support for pupils with different needs, with classes using topic-based learning.
It will also have a focus on employability, pupils' interests and career aspirations.
Professor Claire Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Plymouth Marjon University, said the provision would help meet growing demand.
“At Plymouth Marjon University, we believe in high-quality, inclusive education and wellbeing support for all, and this provision will help meet a huge rise in demand,” she said.
Professor Taylor added that the number of pupils with a formal Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in the UK had more than doubled since 2015.
She said it was encouraging to see additional options being made available for families locally.
Sarah Morrison, Group CEO of Elementa Education Group and a Marjon graduate, said the new provision would add Plymouth to the group's existing locations.
“Having experienced Marjon as student graduating in 2004, I am excited to be adding Plymouth to our locations with a partner who shares our commitment to giving every young person the education they deserve,” she said.
She added: “Being able to provide alternative learning provision and specialist school placements in Plymouth, supporting children across Devon, is a small contribution to the increasing needs of young people in the region.”
Marjon said the building is expected to begin supporting young people through alternative provision places in September.
Elementa’s SEND school provision will begin operations once it has received Ofsted registration.
PMU said the partnership would provide opportunities to work with the wider university community and strengthen links with the local community.