An innovative new Therapeutic Education provision will be opening in Somerset this September, offering places for children and young people with additional and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The Diocese of Bath and Wells worked with Somerset Council to find an alternative use for the former Misterton School building. The diocese will retain the building, but continues its commitment to education in Misterton by woking with the council to provide the site for the new Education service which will be run by Horizon’s Therapeutic Education Trust. Somerset Council jointly funded the service with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, and delivered the refurbishment works through Futures for Somerset and Qube.
Ed Gregory, Director of Education for the Diocese of Bath and Wells said: “The Diocese of Bath and Wells and Diocesan Board of Education are delighted that the Misterton site is providing a fantastic education setting, securing such a unique contribution to the Homes and Horizons vision for young people of Somerset.”
This initiative is part of a partnership between Somerset Council, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Shaw Trust. The service will support children in care and children whose health impacts their ability to succeed in mainstream schooling. It is led by a multidisciplinary team of specialist teaching staff and NHS professionals.
Councillor Heather Shearer, Lead Executive Member for Children, Families and Education at Somerset Council, said: “The opening of this new Therapeutic Education service in Misterton marks a significant step forward in our commitment to supporting children with additional and SEND needs and reflects our dedication to ensuring every child in Somerset can succeed. By providing a nurturing and specialised environment, we aim to help these young people thrive – thank you to all that have been involved!”
The service aims to help students transition back to local schools with specialist support. The service will provide therapeutic and education services to 10-15 children, with plans for a second site next year. These efforts are part of broader support for young people with additional and SEND needs, including a £500k investment to remodel the former infant school building.
Additionally, Homes2Inspire, part of Shaw Trust, is managing eight new homes in Somerset. Five homes are operational, two will open in September, and the eighth in early 2025. A higher needs fostering service is also being developed.
Somerset Council, with over 600 children in care, is recruiting foster carers. For more information, visit Fostering in Somerset - Change a Child’s Story.