We’re proposing to open a new Specialist Base at Laurus Ryecroft to support children with additional needs in Tameside. This page explains what we’re planning, why it matters, and how you can share your thoughts.
What is a Specialist Base?
A Specialist Resource Base is a purpose-built facility located within a mainstream school designed to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The proposed Specialist Base at Laurus Ryecroft would provide a small environment for students with specific educational needs who require additional structure, staffing and support whilst engaging in mainstream education.
Why is it needed?
Data across Tameside shows a growing number of children with EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) and limited local school places available to effectively support them. The proposed Specialist Base would help meet the rising need in the community by increasing the availability of specialist support and reducing travel distances for families accessing the support they need.
This proposal forms part of Tameside Council’s wider SEND Capital Programme, which is delivering 118 new specialist places across primary, secondary and post‑16 phases. Laurus Ryecroft is included within this borough‑wide plan to increase local capacity so that more young people with EHCPs can access suitable education closer to home.
How would it work?
This base would be a specialist, small-scale provision for up to 42 students and families would apply through the Local Authority’s placement process. It would provide a calm, structured environment with highly trained staff to provide targeted support for students with specific, identified needs. This would be a dedicated, well-supported part of the school – and fully integrated into our ethos and community. The proposed Specialist Base would involve capital development on existing space within the school grounds.
Why now?
Tameside Council has approved capital investment to expand specialist provision, aiming for more children to access the right support within mainstream settings where appropriate. Establishing a Specialist Base at Laurus Ryecroft aligns with the Council’s SEND Sufficiency Strategy, which prioritises reducing the need for children to travel outside the borough for a suitable place.
How you can share your views
Your feedback matters to us.
Please use the button below to complete the online consultation form.
Alternatively, you can send your comments by email: [email protected]
The consultation will run from Friday 27th March 2026 to 9am on Wednesday 20th May 2026.
Thank you
Creating the right support for young people in our community is incredibly important. Thank you for taking the time to read about the proposal and for sharing your thoughts. If you need this information in another format or language, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.