Fred Nicholson school could move from Dereham to Swaffham

The Fred Nicholson Complex Needs School in Dereham is earmarked to move to a new site in Swaffham in a switch its headteacher described as "a fantastic opportunity".

Norfolk County Council, which is trying to tackle a shortage of spaces for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), has revealed it intends to shut the Westfield Road site and move the school to a new site in Swaffham's Lynn Road.

The Fred Nicholson school could be about to move from Dereham to Swaffham. Pic: Newsquest

Bosses say switching towns will mean 52 more specialist spaces can be created for SEND children aged from five to 19.

That would mean the school, which could open in 2025, could accommodate 225 students from reception to sixth form. The school's Orchard Autism Specialist Resource Base would also move.

Jane Hayman, executive headteacher of the Fred Nicholson School, said: "We are delighted at the fantastic opportunity this move could give our young people and the team here – it’s a very exciting prospect.

"We recognise the significant impact the expansion of our school could have on the wider SEND community in Norfolk as we can offer more places to more children from a wider age range."

The council's Conservative-controlled cabinet will meet on Monday (March 6) to decide whether to buy the Swaffham land needed. If that goes ahead, a planning application would be lodged in spring.

John Fisher, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for children's services

John Fisher, cabinet member for children’s services, said: "We are delighted to be working on this bold new plan with the Fred Nicholson School to help them expand their already excellent offer."

But Labour county councillor Maxine Webb said creating 52 new spaces did not go far enough to tackle the shortage and that it was disappointing further brand new special schools had yet to be announced.