Letter to Surrey County Council on SEND Provision at Lakeside Primary School
Pressing Surrey County Council for updates on the Frimley SEND school to meet growing local demand and support children with specialist needs
Recipient: Councillor Hulley, Surrey County Council, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, and Lifelong Learning
Dear Jonathan,
I am writing to request an update on the proposed development of the former Lakeside Primary School site on Alphington Avenue, Frimley, into a Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school.
As you will be aware, the school is currently expected to open in 2027 and will cater to pupils aged 11 to 19. It is due to be delivered through the Department for Education’s Special Free Schools Programme, with part-funding from Surrey County Council.
A BBC report highlighted that approximately 46,000 children in Surrey have SEND needs, with 16,871 holding an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), more than double the number in 2018, and an increase of 10.5% since 2024. This sharp rise clearly underscores the need for new SEND school places to be delivered as swiftly as possible, enabling children to access appropriate education locally and ensuring issued EHCPs are met effectively.
Given the urgent demand for additional SEND provision in Surrey Heath, I would be grateful for an update on the status of the project and its anticipated timeline. Improving local SEND provision is a matter of critical importance, and ensuring that children have access to specialist education is essential to their development, wellbeing, and future opportunities.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your swift response.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Al Pinkerton MP