The council is to invest around £1.66million to create and enhance Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) resources at Ocker Hill Academy in Tipton and Wood Green Academy in Wednesbury.
This funding will help more children and young people to learn, grow and thrive in their local communities and contribute to new purpose‑built facilities being delivered as part of the Department for Education’s national School Rebuild Programme, which is comprehensively redeveloping both academy sites.
At Ocker Hill Academy, the existing SEND resource offer will be expanded from 10 to 15 places, strengthening an already well‑established offer for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.
At Wood Green Academy, a brand‑new 20‑place hub will be created, adding vital capacity in an area where demand for SEMH support is high.
Councillor Jalal Uddin, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “This investment reflects our absolute commitment to giving every child the best start in life. By strengthening SEND provision at Ocker Hill and Wood Green academies, we are ensuring more children can learn in their local communities, stay close to friends and family, and access the support they need to flourish.”
Councillor Harnoor Bhullar, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: These improvements embody our Child Friendly Sandwell principles, putting children at the heart of decisions, making sure they feel safe and included, and helping them to achieve their ambitions. I am delighted that both academies and the Department for Education are fully behind this work to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where young people can thrive.”
The new facilities will be designed to be multi‑functional, allowing schools to adapt spaces as needs change over time. The investment is also expected to deliver long‑term financial benefits, with expanded internal SEND provision predicted to save around £687,000 each year by reducing reliance on external placements.
Funds are expected to be released in line with the Department for Education’s delivery timetable, anticipated during 2026/27 or 2027/28.
Notes to Editors
• Total funding allocation: up to £1.66 million (including contingency), with £440,000 for Ocker Hill Academy and £1,221,000 for Wood Green Academy.
• Wood Green Academy is the only school in Sandwell identified as containing RAAC, forming part of the DfE’s priority rebuild response.
• The programme supports Sandwell’s SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026–2029 and the borough’s emerging SEND Locality