A new school for children with special educational needs (SEND) could open in a disused care home.

Charlton House in Keynsham will become a school for 11- to 17-year-olds if Bath & North East Somerset Council approves the £6.1m proposal.

Councillor Paul May said: “This proposal would significantly improve the lives of young people and their families through the provision of local education with a residential component for those in care.”

The neighbouring Hawthorn Court will continue to serve as a housing estate for seniors.

Mr May added: “Opening up our own offer also gives us the opportunity to keep our staffing costs significantly lower than those currently charged by the independent sector, which would deliver significant savings to the council, including reduced transport costs.”

According to a report prepared for councillors, the proposed school would accommodate 12 boarding places and 18 additional day places, for a total of 30 places.

The current average cost of a day for a child to stay outside their local area in an independent special school is £96,000.

The cost of accommodation in the centres currently stands at £318,000.

It is estimated that the project will save the council £2,171,075 a year in education and transport costs and £2,043,859 in care home accommodation costs.

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