The former Conservative government had named Newham as a location for a new school in May 2024 but nothing has happened since, reports Nick Clark, Local Democracy Reporter

A new special school promised to Newham by the previous government is “on hold”, according to the council.

The then-Conservative government promised to build a new ‘free school’ for children with special educational needs (SEN) in Newham in 2024.

But speaking to councillors on Monday 15th September, Newham Council’s director of education and inclusion Annabel Bates said the promised new school “appears to have gone slightly on hold”.

She added that the government’s Department for Education (DfE) “do tell me that that’s still coming”.

However, DfE told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) it wants to prioritise building schools that can be opened “in the shorter term”, while improving SEN units in mainstream schools.

Newham was one of 16 places the Conservative government promised a new special school to in May 2024.

The council says the school would be at Rick Roberts Way, in Stratford. It would be built by the government and run by an academy trust.

This is separate to the new building for the Connaught special free school in Custom House, which is under construction.

The school would support children and young people with autism and who may have associated social, emotional or mental health needs.

The council also says it would “ease pressure” on its special educational needs system as demand increases.

Some 75% of children with education, health and care plans in Newham are taught in mainstream schools including in specialist units.

The council says the promised new school could accommodate those whose placements may break down or who may not be able to access mainstream activities.

However, the council has also confirmed that the school is on hold, and that it is pressing the DfE for updates. It said has been awaiting an update since 2024.

In a statement to the LDRS, the DfE did not answer specific questions about the promised new school.

But a spokesperson said the government is “prioritising operational decisions on free school projects that are due to open in the shorter term”.

The DfE also said it wanted to “improve inclusivity” for children with special needs in mainstream schools, while special schools would cater for children with the most complex needs.

It said new special free school projects would be subject to value for money considerations and that it would set out detailed plans later this year.

The spokesperson said: “We’re already making progress to deliver change across the SEND system, from earlier intervention for speech and language needs, to £740million investment to encourage councils to create more specialist places in mainstream schools.

“We are continuing to engage with local authorities and trusts, while prioritising operational decisions on free school projects that are due to open in the shorter term.”

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