Consultation - Proposed implementation of a SEND Unit for pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) at Northmoor Academy, Alderson Street, Oldham OL9 6AQ

Dear Parents/Carers and stakeholders, 

CONSULTATION DOCUMENT – Please read carefully   

Proposed implementation of a SEND Unit for pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) at Northmoor Academy, Alderson Street, Oldham OL9 6AQ 

Introduction   

Northmoor Academy is proposing to make an application for ‘Significant Change’ to the Department for Education (DfE) to change the provision for children with SEND and implement a SEND Unit from 1st September 2025. 

As part of the consultation process and legal requirements, we are writing to parents and the local community to seek feedback regarding the proposed changes. The 3 week consultation process will begin on Monday 5th May and end at 5pm on Monday 26th May.  Further details of the proposal are provided on the academy and the Harmony Trust website. Following this period The Harmony Trust will then consider comments received during the consultation period and include them in its application to the DfE.    

What is being proposed?   

Northmoor Academy currently has a pupil admission number of 90 children per year group, a total of 630 places plus Nursery. Under the proposals, there would be no change to the number of places available. An additional 24 places would be created for the provision of SEND pupils with Educational Health Care Plans (EHCPs). The specialism of the Hub would be to support pupils with Autistic Spectrum Condition.  

Northmoor Academy already provides support to pupils with EHCPs in our mainstream classrooms. The benefits of securing the funding and implementing the proposed change are that the academy will receive place funding to support the development of the service provided, creating further strong links between families, the community and the school, and improved continuity of SEND provision.  This will lead to better outcomes for the children.  

The Local Authority supports Northmoor Academy by providing funding to meet the place demand from the local community, alongside enabling our future pupils and their families to access SEND provision in a mainstream school setting.   

It is envisaged that there would be no negative impact on the Academy, the children, the environment or the local community. It is also envisaged that due to the Local Authority population projection and analysis of provision requirements, there would be no impact on similar local providers. The placement of children would remain a parental preference.   

What do I need to do?  

If you have any questions or would like to comment on the proposal, then please the contact the Director of Education for the Harmony Trust Ltd using the following methods:  

• In writing to Ms J Hainsworth, Director of Education, The Harmony Trust Ltd, Northmoor Academy, Alderson Street, Oldham OL9 6AQ 
• or by email to info@theharmonytrust.org

Following the consultation period, the responses will be analysed carefully before any decisions are made by The Harmony Trust regarding the proposals.   

Our door is always open and if you would like to discuss anything please contact the school office to arrange an appointment with either myself or Mrs Beesley. 

Regards,  

Mrs Sarah Taylor 

Executive Principal