Plans for education facility at Melksham House revealed

Wiltshire Council has confirmed Melksham House will become a school for children with Social Emotional Mental Health Needs (SEMH), which is expected to open next year and will be the first of its kind to serve primary-aged children in the area.

The facility will provide education for up to 30 primary school-aged children and no more than 10 secondary-aged children at one time. Secondary school students on Alternative Provision will be on a part time curriculum and will be educated either individually or in small groups. Wiltshire Council have confirmed that the facility won’t be solely for Melksham children, but will take those from throughout Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for education and skills, cllr Laura Mayes said, “Nationally, there is a rise in the need for SEND places and Wiltshire is no different. We are looking at long term provision across the county which will meet need and I’m pleased we can turn this Melksham landmark into something which is truly inspirational and will provide an amazing space for all pupils.”

The news has been welcomed by some Melksham residents who say there is a lack of current places for SEND provision. One resident said, “I work as a teaching assistant so can see the daily struggles that the education sector has to meet the needs of children that are struggling with emotional needs, mental health problems. Teachers and teaching assistants do their absolute best every single day to help these children, but have limited access to funding and resources.

Limited spaces

 “Wiltshire’s SEND schools have very limited spaces and can only help children with severe needs, meaning those that have less severe needs often fall through the gaps because the only place left for them is mainstream education, which still isn’t suitable.

“These children are often labelled as ‘naughty’ or ‘disruptive’ but they are acting out as a way of asking for help, sometimes it’s the only way they can ask for help. I strongly believe that this school will help fill these gaps for so many children in Melksham and be a huge support to their families.”

Wiltshire Council has confirmed that the current alternative SEMH provision for primary age children are out of county and require children to travel considerable distances to and from daily.

Some residents have spoken out against the plans in preference of an alternative idea of the site being used as a community hall, flexible office space and meeting rooms. The town council also submitted a £2million offer to turn the Grade II-listed house into a community asset. Speaking of his disappointment that Wiltshire Council did not progress with this, the town’s mayor, Cllr Simon Crundell said, “The house is a wonderful facility, and should be preserved for the use of the people of our town.”