Consultation : Proposed implementation of an additional SEND Unit
Dear Parents/Carers and stakeholders,
CONSULTATION DOCUMENT – Please read carefully 
Proposed implementation of an additional SEND Unit for pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) at Richmond Academy, Winterbottom Street, Oldham OL9 6HY
Introduction
Richmond Academy is proposing to make an application for ‘Significant Change’ to the Department for Education (DfE) to add further provision for children with SEND. This would be mean the implementation of an additional SEND Unit from 1st September 2025.
As part of the consultation process and legal requirements, we are writing to parents and the local community to seek feedback regarding the proposed changes. The 3 week consultation process will begin on Friday 6th June and end at 12.00pm on Friday 27th June. A copy of this consultation is also provided on the Richmond Academy and the Harmony Trust website. Following this period, The Harmony Trust will then consider comments received during the consultation period and include them in its application to the DfE.
What is being proposed?
Richmond Academy currently has a pupil admission number of 60 per year group. It also has an existing SEND Unit for pupils with Autistic Spectrum Condition offering 20 further places. The Academy also offers 8 places in its Early Development Hub for children with Additional Needs in the Early Years. The children accessing the hubs are thriving and the provision has been recognised as a strength of the academy. Under the new proposals, there would be no change to the provision currently available.
Recently Richmond Children’s Centre has closed, and the opportunity has arisen for the Trust to develop this site to further support children and families in the local community. The Trust has worked with colleagues from Oldham Council to determine what is needed and how to best support. The proposal is to develop a centre of excellence for children who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs.
Under this proposal 20 additional places would be created for of the provision of SEND pupils with Educational Health Care Plans (EHCPs). The new provision would be in the building that has previously been used as a Children’s Centre. We would be making best use of that space to offer support and provision for our children and families.
The benefits of securing the funding and implementing the proposed change are that the academy will receive place funding to support the development of the service provided. We aim to increase our strong links between families, the community and the school. The enhanced SEND provision will enable existing and new pupils to access the support they need in a specialist school setting, leading to better outcomes for the children.
The Local Authority fully supports this proposal. It is envisaged that there would be no negative impact on the Academy, the children, the environment or the local community. It is also envisaged that due to the Local Authority population projection and analysis of provision requirements, there would be no impact on similar local providers. The placement of children would remain a parental preference.
What do I need to do?
If you have any questions or would like to comment on the proposal, then please the contact the Director of Education for the Harmony Trust Ltd using the following methods:
- In writing to Mrs J Hughes, Director of Education, The Harmony Trust Ltd, Richmond Academy, Winterbottom Street, Oldham OL9 6HY
- or by email to info@theharmonytrust.org
Following the consultation period, the responses will be analysed carefully before any decisions are made by The Harmony Trust regarding the proposals.
Our door is always open and if you would like to discuss anything please contact the school office to arrange an appointment.
Regards,
Mrs Rahman
Principal