FAQ for the proposal to expand, remodel and develop the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Resource Unit (Phase 1) at Westwood Farm Schools Federation, Tilehurst

Summary of the reasons for the proposal:

Although data alone may not have identified Westwood Farm Schools as a priority site, it represents a logical, inclusive, and deliverable solution that:

• provides an enhanced transition from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 and builds on an established, successful local provision
• reduces pressure for Key Stage 2 in a densely populated area
• eases pressure on the need for places at Brookfields and The Castle special schools
• supports mainstream inclusion and accessibility
• enables pupils to remain within their home community, reduces travel time and improves wellbeing for pupils and families
• provides complex needs places where demand currently exceeds local capacity
• reduces reliance on out-of-area and independent placements
• provides specialist staff development opportunities for mainstream teachers 
• aligns with both local and national SEND strategies

For more information, please visit the consultation page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Parents and carers

What is a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Resource Unit and how is it different from a mainstream class or special school?

A Resource Unit is a small, specialist provision within a mainstream school that supports pupils with specific needs (such as autism or severe learning difficulties). Children are part of the school community but receive tailored teaching, therapies, and interventions in a smaller setting.

Why is West Berkshire Council proposing to expand this Resource Unit?

Demand for specialist local places has grown significantly as more children have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Expanding local units helps children learn closer to home, reduces travel times, and improves inclusion within their communities.

How many pupils will the Resource Unit support?

The proposal will be to support 18 pupils, allowing a balance between specialist support and inclusion within the wider school.

Who will decide if my child is offered a place in the Resource Unit?

Decisions are made through the West Berkshire Council SEND Panel, based on each child's Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) and whether the Resource Unit can meet their identified needs.

Will pupils in the Resource Unit be part of the main school?

Yes. Pupils in the Resource Unit are on the school roll and are part of the wider school community. However, their participation in whole-school activities is carefully planned to meet their individual needs.

This approach allows pupils to be included in school life in a way that is meaningful, supportive, and respectful of their sensory and learning needs.

How will the Resource Unit be staffed?

The Resource Unit will be led by a designated Teacher in Charge, who is a qualified SEND teacher. They will oversee the class teachers working within the Unit and ensure the day-to-day running of the provision. The teaching team will be supported by teaching assistants, as well as therapists and other specialist staff as required to meet pupils' needs.

Will there be any impact on class sizes or facilities for other pupils?

No. The proposal is designed to enhance the school's overall capacity to support children with SEND and will not reduce the number of mainstream places.

What support will parents of children attending the Resource Unit receive?

Families will have access to the Teacher in Charge, regular review meetings, and advice from the wider SEND team, including therapy and specialist support services.

How does this proposal fit with the wider SEND Strategy?

It supports West Berkshire's SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2024 to 2029, which aims to create sufficient, high-quality, and inclusive education locally for all pupils with EHCPs.

How can people share their views on the proposal?

Please respond through the online survey, which you can find on our website alongside more information at https://www.westberks.gov.uk/westwood-farm-send-unit

Who is being consulted?

Other stakeholders that have been or will be engaged as part of the consultation are:

• parents and carers (including Parent Carer Forum)
• pupils and school councils
• staff and Governors of Westwood Farm Schools Federation
• SENDIASS partners
• local councillors and Portfolio Holder for Education
• neighbouring Local Authorities (Basingstoke & Deane, Bracknell, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Reading, Swindon, Wiltshire, Wokingham)
• Berkshire West ICB / NHS therapy services
• local teaching trade unions
• Diocese of Oxford
• Diocese of Portsmouth
• Parish Councils
• local MP (Tilehurst)
• community and voluntary sector

What happens to the existing unit during construction?

The existing provision will continue to operate as normal. Any building work will be carefully planned to take place during school holiday periods. Where term-time work is required, it will be scheduled to minimise noise and disruption.  Safe access routes will be maintained at all times. The school and contractors will work closely to ensure that pupils' routines, learning and well-being are prioritised throughout the construction period.

What is the indicative timetable?

• Pre-consultation:  Oct 2025
• Statutory consultation: Nov - Dec 2025
• Consultation response analysis and preparation of recommendation report: Jan 2026
• Executive Meeting for elected Members to consider the recommendation: Mar 2026
• Project mobilisation e.g., Section 77 application; design, planning, procurement: Apr 2026 - Apr 2027
• Building works: June 2027 to Aug 2028
• Staff appointments and induction/training: Apr to July 2028
• Opening: Sept 2028

How much will it cost to build and remodel the existing Resource Unit?

The estimated capital cost is £1,240,000.

Where is the funding coming from?

A grant from The Department of Education's, High needs provision capital allocations. The unit would provide value for money as it would reduce reliance on independent placements and transport expenditure. The projected annual saving would be £234,000, once the unit was fully operational.

What will happen to the playing fields?

Any change of use affecting playing-field land will be subject to Department of Education (DfE) Section 77 approval. The current land between the car park and the Resource Unit will be the area of development.

Pupils

What will the new Resource Unit be like?

It will be a calm, friendly space with smaller groups and staff who understand how to help pupils learn in ways that work best for them.

Will pupils in the Resource Unit be part of our school?

Yes! They are part of our school community and will join in with playtimes, and activities where they feel comfortable, supportive and activities are carefully planned to meet their individual needs.

Why is our school having a bigger Resource Unit?

Our school is having a bigger Resource Unit to help children who learn in a different way or need extra support to feel happy and safe at school. It will:

• give children a quieter place to learn
• have adults who are trained to help children with special needs
• help children feel calm, understood and cared for
• give children access to more resources to support their needs

It's also about inclusion. Children in the Resource Unit are part of our school family. 

Having a Resource Unit helps us:

• make sure all children are included
• learn to be kind, patient and understanding of others
• make our school a place where everyone belongs

Can I visit or help welcome new pupils?

Yes. The school will plan opportunities for all pupils to learn about inclusion and to help make everyone feel welcome. The school currently runs a "buddy system" with year 6 pupils.

What will change for me?

Not much. You'll still have the same teachers and lessons, but you might see new spaces and meet new friends who need different types of support.

School staff

Will staff receive additional training?

Yes. Staff will have access to specialist Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and ongoing support from the SEND and Inclusion teams to develop confidence in meeting a wider range of needs.

How will inclusion between the Resource Unit and the rest of the school be managed?

Inclusion will be planned flexibly through joint timetables, shared interventions, and regular collaboration between class teachers and Unit staff.

School governors

What is the governing body's role in the consultation and approval process?

Governors must consider the consultation outcomes, ensure the proposal aligns with the school's vision and resources, and formally agree (or not) to the change before final submission to the local authority and Department of Education (DfE) if required.

How will the Resource Unit be funded and monitored?

Funding is provided through the High Needs Block, with a place funding element per place plus top up. The Resource Unit will be monitored through school governance, local authority Quality Assurance visits, and annual SEND reviews.