School showcases SEND excellence following major investment

A Resource Base for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has showcased how Tameside Council is strengthening inclusive education across the borough. 

The council has invested £1.5m to create an additional 133 school places for pupils aged 5-16 with SEND in 2024-2025 and plans additional expenditure in this area in 2025-2026.

The plan, approved by the council’s Executive Cabinet following public consultation, began in September 2025 and included support for nine resource bases in academy schools, alongside additional provision in a Tameside maintained school.

One of the schools involved – Greenfield Academy in Hyde – proudly welcomed Minister for School Standards Georgia Gould on 9 December to showcase its highly effective SEND practice within a mainstream environment.

The Minister toured both mainstream and specialist classes, observing communication-friendly environments, targeted interventions such as task and choice boxes, and bespoke resources including the Sensory Room and Soft Play areas. She also saw the school-wide commitment to the Zones of Regulation, supporting emotional wellbeing and self-regulation for all pupils.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture Councillor Leanne Feeley said: “This commitment reflects our vision that every child should have access to a school place close to home that meets their individual learning needs, and for as many young people as possible with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to thrive in a mainstream setting. This visit not only celebrated Greenfield’s achievements but also showcased how our strategic investment is creating inclusive opportunities for children and families across the borough.”

Academy Principal Zoe Neophitou said: “Our approach to inclusion benefits every child. We are committed to developing our practice so that all pupils can thrive. The Minister’s visit recognised Greenfield as an example of best practice, and we look forward to sharing our learning with other schools and settings."

Minister Gould praised the investment, calling it “transformative for children with special educational needs” and shared a moving moment from her visit: “One mum said her child was in a nativity play (an event) that she could never have imagined.”