Plans to deliver “much-needed” school places in Southampton for children with special educational needs and disabilities have been approved by council leaders.

Southampton City Council formulated proposals for the major expansion following a recommendation from a strategic review of SEND services.

The multi-million-pound projects, which were signed off by cabinet at a meeting earlier this month (July), will see a building demolished and replaced on one site and a vacant building refurbished at another location.

Cllr Alex Winning, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “The places will help children and young people needing specialist education remain within the city rather than needing to go outside.

“As the six specialist schools in the city are at capacity this will therefore better enable us to meet their needs locally, which we know is important.”

Cllr Winning said the additional SEND school provision was “much-needed”.

The plans include increasing pupil numbers for Vermont School through relocating to the former St Monica Infant School site in Bay Road.

The investment also involves expanding Great Oaks School at Vermont School’s current site in Vermont Close, Bassett.

There was overwhelming support for the proposals during a public consultation last year.

The site in Bay Road, Sholing, is currently vacant after the lease came to an end in August 2023. The Victorian building will be remodelled and allow Vermont School to move from its current site.

In turn, the existing Vermont Close school building will be demolished, replaced with a two-storey block and taken on by Great Oaks School. Outside play space will be supported with a multi-use games area.

Both projects will provide staff and visitor car parking, and an enlarged drop off loop for pupil transport.

Current estimates suggest the expansion of Great Oaks School will cost £28million and delivering Vermont School’s new site will cost £11million.

Great Oaks School will be able support 150 more pupil. Vermont School’s move will provide an additional 26 places for pupils with social emotional mental health needs, moderate learning difficulties and autism spectrum condition.