Ivel Valley School expansion approved to create more specialist SEND places
Plans to significantly expand Ivel Valley School have been approved by Central Bedfordshire Council, creating more specialist places for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The expansion will increase capacity across Ivel Valley School to 330 places and provide 20 new classrooms, alongside the remodelling of 12 existing classrooms to create six larger, improved learning spaces. Additional parking will also be provided as part of the scheme.
The expansion is part of the Council’s work to ensure sufficient and suitable specialist school places are available to meet growing demand for SEND provision across Central Bedfordshire.
The Council’s approved 2026/27 capital programme includes £42.2 million provision for the scheme, with the project remaining subject to detailed design and cost refinement.
The decision follows a statutory consultation held this summer in which 58 per cent of respondents supported the proposal.
Councillor Gareth Mackey, Executive Member for Children and Families, said: “We take our responsibility to our Children with SEND and their families very seriously and are committed to giving them the very best facilities we can afford.
“The expansion of Ivel Valley School will provide much-needed additional places while also creating modern, purpose-designed learning spaces that better reflect the needs of the children and young people who use them.
“The feedback we have received from stakeholders, especially Ivel Valley School and our SEND community, has been intrinsic to how we have decided to move forward. The concerns on disruption to pupils during construction, the bridleway, parking, access have been heard loud and clear. I am committed to working closely with the school and wider community during the design, planning and build to ensure that we meet our commitment to mitigating these concerns.
“This is a significant investment of over £40m in specialist education provision in Central Bedfordshire and represents a major part of our commitment to our SEND community. I am delighted that we can finally bring this project to fruition.”
The proposal will provide predominantly new-build specialist spaces, alongside improvements to existing classrooms. The new facilities are intended to provide improved accessibility, enhanced therapeutic provision and a learning environment designed to meet current and forecast SEND needs.
The detailed design and configuration of the expansion, plus concerns of safeguarding, traffic and parking, access and minimising disruption to pupils will be developed collaboratively with the school, subject to relevant planning, highways, procurement and other approval processes before construction can begin.
Save the SEND Local Offer to Your Home Screen
Did you know you can save the Central Bedfordshire SEND Local Offer to your phone, tablet or computer home screen?
This gives you quick and easy access to SEND information, advice, support and services whenever you need them.
✅ Easy to find
✅ Quick access to local information and support
✅ No need to search online each time
To get started:
• iPhone/iPad: Press Share → Add to Home Screen
• Android: Press the three dots menu → Add to Home Screen
• Computer: Add the page to your bookmarks or favourites bar
🔗 Visit the SEND Local Offer
Upcoming events and dates for your diary
October Half-Term Activities
Looking for activities this October half term? There are plenty of exciting opportunities for SEND children, young people and their families across Central Bedfordshire, from sensory workshops and creative arts sessions to outdoor Halloween adventures.
Please note: Activity dates and times are subject to change. Check organisers’ websites before attending and keep an eye on the Central Bedfordshire Local Offer Facebook page for updates.
🎨 Sensory Movement Workshop
- Monday 26 October, 10.00am to 10.45am
- Fairfield Community Hall, Stotfold
💃 Dance & Activity Workshop
- Monday 26 October, 11.00am to 1.30pm
- Venue: Fairfield Community Hall, Stotfold
📚 Sensory Story Exploration Workshops
- Thursday 29 October.
🎃 Halloween Trail, Houghton Hall Park
- Friday 30 October, 10.00 am to 3.00 pm
👻 Halloween Trail, Dunstable Downs
- 24 to 31 October, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
🎧 Spooky Silent Disco, Dunstable Downs
- 28, 30 and 31 October, 5.30pm to 6.30pm and 6.45pm to 7.45pm
👨👩👧👦 FUN Family Holiday Club
- 27 to 29 October, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
🐑 Sheep Walking Experience
- Friday 30 October, 10.00 am to 11.00 am or 11.15 am to 12.15 pm
For full details and booking information, visit the Central Bedfordshire Local Offer website and individual activity providers.