Special school to expand after Liberal Democrats provide funding

The “desperately needed” expansion of Breakspeare special school will now go ahead - after Lib Dem council leaders approved extra funding to cover building costs.

An extra 113 school places will be created for children with severe learning difficulties.

This will be made possible by relocating Breakspeare from its present home in Abbots Langley to a larger site in Croxley Green.

The plan was delayed because the previous Tory administration had not provided enough money to deal with construction problems. 

The discovery of chalk deposits at the new site made the work more complex. 

Now, within barely three months of taking over Hertfordshire County Council, Lib Dems have acted swiftly to save the project.

Cabinet members voted unanimously to increase the original £32 million budget by more than 30 per cent.

This means the scheme is now fully funded and now finally has the go-ahead.  The new Breakspeare school should open by September 2028.

It will provide a safe, secure, and individualised learning environment for Hertfordshire children most in need of extra support - including those with serious disabilities.

Cllr Mark Watkin, executive member for education, SEND and inclusion, said:

“Liberal Democrats are delivering on our pledge to ease the special needs crisis in Hertfordshire.

“We are delighted that more than 100 extra children will benefit from the wonderful work of Breakspeare school, and the world-class specialist education they provide.

“That's why it was vital we increased the funding to ensure construction problems will be overcome, and the new school built on this better and larger site. 
“The Tories had allowed the project to stall by failing to revise the budget to reflect the chalk deposit problems. In total, two years have been wasted by their dithering.

“As one of our first big decisions since taking office, we have acted decisively - and fast - to give the school the money it needs.

“The Tories should apologise for making our special-needs children wait so long.

“Meanwhile, parking concerns rightly raised by residents near the new site have also been addressed.

“So - at last - it’s all systems go. Let’s get it built!”