LAAT is delighted to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) as part of a county-wide Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Hub initiative aimed at transforming support for children with additional needs.
Three LAAT schools – Friskney All Saints CE Primary, The Gainsborough Parish Church CE Primary, and Coningsby St Michael’s CE Primary – will be among the first to host the new SEND Hubs. This innovative programme, backed by an investment of more than £7 million from LCC, will enhance school facilities and support the recruitment of specialist staff trained to deliver high-quality, tailored education to children with complex needs.
“This is an incredibly exciting programme that will make a real difference to the lives of our young people,” said Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, Executive Member for Children’s Services.
The SEND Hubs will be purpose-designed, adapted classrooms located within mainstream primary and secondary school settings. They aim to meet the needs of pupils with Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans who require more specialised environments to access the curriculum while also benefiting from opportunities to engage with their peers in mainstream settings.
Operating independently yet inclusively within host schools, the Hubs will primarily support children with complex communication and interaction needs, including Autism, and associated cognition and learning difficulties. Children may also display behaviours directly related to these needs. The approach is rooted in inclusion, enabling each child’s time in the Hub or in mainstream classes to be tailored to their individual profile and progress.
This initiative also brings a fantastic opportunity for specialist teachers and support staff to be part of something truly transformative. LAAT is looking for passionate, experienced professionals in SEND education who are excited to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives. These new roles will offer the chance to work in innovative environments, receive ongoing professional development, and help shape inclusive education within local communities.
LAAT CEO Jackie Waters-Dewhurst commented: “We are incredibly proud to be a part of this impactful initiative. Creating inclusive environments where all children feel a sense of belonging and receive the support they need to thrive is central to our mission. The new SEND Hubs will help nurture independence, resilience, and readiness for the next stages of life for some of our most exceptional learners. At LAAT, we embrace the spirit of ‘Sawubona’ – ‘I see you’ – recognising and valuing each child for who they are. These Hubs will be places where every pupil is truly seen, supported, and celebrated.
This collaboration marks a significant step toward ensuring all children and young people with SEND in Lincolnshire have access to high-quality education close to home, while building confidence, capability, and community.
