Consultation
Proposal to change the designation, pupil numbers and age range of
Lyde Green Primary Access Centre
The three week consultation period commences Monday 26th January 2026 and closes at noon on Monday 16th February 2026. It is very important that all those wishing to respond to this proposal do so within this timeframe to allow their comments to be considered by the decision maker.
Responses can be made on-line via the following link and must be received by noon on Monday 16th February 2026: https://forms.gle/1VurdJcPPZTotWMk9
Should you require a paper/word copy of the consultation form or if you have any questions or queries, please contact: consultation@cset.co.uk
Introduction
The Trust Board of the Castle School Education Trust (CSET), in agreement with South Gloucestershire Council and supported by the school’s leadership team, proposes a change to the designation, age range and number of places within the specialist provision at Lyde Green Primary School.
The proposal has met the criteria for a significant change to an academy and therefore a public consultation must be held on this proposal.
This document helps to explain the background to the proposal and the next steps of this process:
- What is being proposed
- Why is it being proposed
- Details of how the decision will be made
- How to submit a response
The Trustees are proposing to make a significant change to Lyde Green Primary School following the Making Significant Changes to an Academy Guidance (2025) issued by the Department for Education. This statutory proposal document contains all the relevant information to allow interested parties to decide whether to support the proposed change. The CSET Trust Board must follow a statutory process for making prescribed alterations to schools. The publication of this statutory proposal and notices forms part of that process.
What is proposed?
The Trust, in conjunction with South Gloucestershire Council, proposes to change the designation, age range and number of places within the specialist provision at Lyde Green Primary School. This would develop and expand the specialist resource base with a focus on Speech, Language and Communication needs and/or moderate learning difficulties. This proposal would increase the number of specialist places from 16 to 20 and extend the age range supported within the resource base, from ages 4 – 7 to 4 - 11.
The proposed changes would be supported by a capital project of up to £950,000 to remodel existing spaces within Lyde Green Primary School. This would ensure the accommodation is suitable to meet the needs of a larger number of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across an increased age range. The capital works would be fully funded by South Gloucestershire Council through the High Needs Capital Grant received from the Department for Education.
The resource base will operate as part of the mainstream school, offering specialist support alongside opportunities for inclusion within mainstream classes where appropriate. Admissions to the resource base would continue to be commissioned by South Gloucestershire Council through the high needs place planning process, and attendance at Lyde Green Primary School would not confer any additional priority for a place within the specialist provision.
Pupils who are currently in the Access Centre will complete their planned education at Lyde Green Primary School before transferring to specialist provision at Key Stage 2. Therefore, this proposal does not have any direct impact on any current pupils.
Why is it being proposed?
The proposal reflects the Local Authority’s ongoing strategic approach to increasing the sufficiency and sustainability of SEND provision, particularly specialist resource bases that better support pupils’ long-term educational outcomes by promoting inclusion and progression within mainstream education with appropriate targeted support. Amending the designation, age range and number of places at Lyde Green Primary School would enable more pupils with SEND to be supported locally, reducing pressure on specialist placements and supporting inclusion within mainstream settings where appropriate.
Investment in improved accommodation will ensure that the resource base can effectively meet the needs of pupils across a wider age range, support continuity of provision, and improve long-term outcomes. The proposal also aligns with South Gloucestershire Council’s statutory responsibilities and makes effective use of available High Needs Capital funding to enhance local SEND provision in a sustainable way.
Lyde Green Primary School values the importance of inclusion and supporting the needs of all children from the community in which we serve. This aligns with the Trust’s values of ensuring a great education for every child.
How will the decision be made?
The three week consultation period commences on Monday 26th January 2026 and closes at noon on Monday 16th February 2026. A Public Notice has been issued on the school website, around the school and in the local area.
The following stakeholders will also be directly notified;
- South Gloucestershire Council
- Neighbouring Local Authorities
- Parents and carers of pupils attending the school
- Parents and carers in the area
- Neighbouring schools
- The Admissions Forum for the school’s area
- Trustees
- Any other known local stakeholders
At the conclusion of the consultation period the Trustees of CSET will consider all the responses to the consultation and (subject to any necessary consents being obtained) decide whether to proceed with the proposal by making a formal application for a significant change. The DfE Regional Director for South-West will then decide on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education whether proposals are in line with the needs of the local area.
How to submit a response
Responses can be made on-line via the following link and must be received by noon on Monday 16th February 2026: https://forms.gle/1VurdJcPPZTotWMk9
Should you require a paper/word copy of the consultation form or if you have any questions or queries, please contact: consultation@cset.co.uk