Introduction

Baginton Fields Academy is proposing to expand its physical capacity to accommodate an increase in pupil numbers from 126 to a maximum of 200. The academy admits children and young people with an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan, with school referrals made through Local Authorities that have named the school in individual children’s EHC plans.

The need for additional school places has been identified by Coventry City Council due to a shortage within the area. Baginton Fields Academy supports students with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Severe and Moderate Learning Difficulties/Disabilities (SLD/MLD), and students on the Autistic Spectrum (ASD).

What is Being Proposed

Baginton Fields Academy currently provides 126 places for children aged 11–19. It is proposed that 74 additional places be created, bringing the total maximum capacity to 200 pupils. Following site visits and meetings with Coventry City Council representatives, the following expansion and refurbishment works have been identified:

• Construction of a single-storey standalone block
• Installation of a new hydrotherapy pool
• Development of a new administrative block
• Internal refurbishment of existing facilities

Positive Impacts

The proposed expansion is designed to enhance both the physical space and educational experience for students while maintaining the integrity of the existing school environment. Key benefits include:

• Preserving green space: The expansion will be carried out within the existing ‘free space’ of the school site, minimising disruption to the surrounding trees and natural environment.
• Enhanced specialist facilities: The new hydrotherapy pool will provide essential therapeutic support for students with complex physical needs.
• Greater accessibility: The new structures will be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all students can navigate the school safely and comfortably.
• Increased community support: By expanding, the academy can meet the growing demand for special education provision in the region.

Consultation Process

As this proposal represents a "significant change," we are required to conduct a consultation in line with the Department for Education (DfE) guidance. We are committed to keeping all stakeholders informed and ensuring that they have meaningful opportunities to provide feedback.

Approval Process

When an academy trust proposes significant changes to a school’s characteristics, approval from the Department for Education is required. This includes a formal consultation process, as mandated by the Academies Act 2010. The publication of this document marks the beginning of the consultation process, which will be overseen by Thrive Education Partnership.

The guidelines for this process are outlined in Making significant changes to an academy

Steps in the Consultation Process

1. Launch of Consultation:

This document will be distributed on 2^nd April and a notice of consultation will be published on the Thrive Education Partnership and Baginton Fields Academy websites.

2. Consultation Period:

The consultation period will run for 5 weeks, closing on 7^th May (to incorporate the 2 weeks Easter holiday period).

Stakeholders are invited to review the proposal and submit feedback.

3. Review of Feedback:

At the end of the consultation period, the Trust will review and consider all submitted comments.

4. Submission to the Regional Schools Commissioner:

Once feedback has been reviewed, the Trust will submit the proposal, along with consultation responses to the Regional Schools Commissioner for approval as part of the significant change process.

 

How to Share Your Views

Thrive Education Partnership welcomes feedback through the following channels:

• By post: Thrive Education Partnership
  3rd Floor, 18 Bennetts Hill
  Birmingham
  B2 5QJ
• By email:
  enquiry@thrive.ac

We appreciate your engagement in this process and look forward to your feedback as we work to expand and enhance the learning environment at Baginton Fields Academy.