New SEND centre is 'first of its kind' - council

A "first of its kind" training and support centre will increase school attendance and engagement among children with special educational needs and disabilities, according to Bradford Council.

The Social, Communication, Interaction and Learning Intervention Centre in Heaton works directly with children, while also helping teachers to better support pupils with additional needs.

Based on a similar scheme in Worcestershire, the facility has been developed with the support of Bradford headteachers and is based at Margaret McMillan Primary School.

Sally Birch, executive member for children and families, said it would help schools get the "expertise they need to support pupils more effectively".

"By working together, we can ensure children receive the right support at the right time and help prevent unnecessary exclusions from school," she said.

"I have visited this provision myself to see first-hand the dedication and professionalism of the service and how it has already started to make a difference to the lives of these children and their families."

The centre had already helped reduce suspensions and increase attendance and levels of engagement among pupils, according to the council.

Margaret McMillan Primary School is named after an education specialist and campaigner who helped introduce council-funded school meals in 1906.

The first meal, of scotch barley broth and fruit tart, was served to pupils at Green Lane Primary School in Manningham on 28 October 1907.

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