Update on SEND services delivered by Young People’s Services

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council would like to thank all parents, carers, children and young people who took part in the recent consultation on the future delivery of our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inclusion provision.

Your feedback has played a key role in shaping the next steps for the service.

As part of our duty to regularly review our assets and ensure we are delivering the best value for public money, we have been exploring how we can offer a more accessible, better-resourced SEND service that continues to meet the needs of children, young people and families.

Following strong support through the consultation, a proposal to move the SEND provision currently delivered at Kaleidoscope to Newfield School is now being recommended – subject to approval at the Council’s Executive Board meeting on Thursday, 15 August 2025.

The move would allow the service to operate from a purpose-built SEND-specific site, with enhanced internal and external facilities, safer spaces, and better access to specialist equipment. Families told us these were key priorities.

From the consultation:

• 83% of parents and carers said ‘Yes’ or ‘Maybe’ to moving to a highly resourced SEND-specific school
• 79% said ‘Yes’ or ‘Maybe’ to a move to another community/youth venue
• Children and young people gave similar feedback, with 75% in favour or open to the move to a SEND-specific school

If the recommendation is agreed by the Executive Board:

• All SEND provision currently delivered at Kaleidoscope will gradually transition to Newfield School from September 2025
• There will be no reduction to the service – the same staff and the same term-time and holiday offers will continue
• The new location is expected to enhance delivery through access to better facilities and safer indoor/outdoor space

We understand that changes can be unsettling, so if the move is approved:

• Children, young people and families will be invited to visit Newfield School during September
• We will work with the school to arrange further information sessions and provide opportunities to ask questions and share feedback
• Ongoing communication will be provided throughout the transition period

Imran Akuji, Head of partnerships, intensive support, policy and performance, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to all the parents, carers, children and young people who shared their views during this consultation. Your honesty and insight have helped us shape a proposal that aims to give our SEND provision a stronger foundation for the future.

“We understand that any change can bring uncertainty, and we want to reassure families that this move is about enhancing support, not reducing it. If approved, Newfield School will give us the opportunity to offer more inclusive, accessible and resource-rich sessions that continue to meet the individual needs of the children and young people we’re proud to support.”

For more details, please read the Executive Board report here: EBD1: Executive Board Decision

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is the service moving from Kaleidoscope?
A: As part of our duty to regularly review our assets and ensure we are delivering the best value for public money, we have been exploring how we can offer a more accessible, better-resourced SEND service that continues to meet the needs of children, young people and families.

Q: Will there be any cuts to services or staff?
A: No. There are no planned reductions to staff or services. The same term-time and holiday sessions will continue, led by the current team.

Q: What support will be given to help my child adjust to the change?
A: Familiarisation visits, on-site tours, and meet-the-team sessions will take place in September. We want all children and families to feel confident and comfortable.

Q: Will Newfield be the only venue?
A: While Newfield will become the main delivery site, we’ll continue to explore additional venues in the future based on need and feedback.

Q: Can I share concerns or ask questions before the move?
A: We welcome your thoughts. Please contact Elizabeth Clarkson, Participation & Inclusion Manager: elizabeth.clarkson@blackburn.gov.uk.