MARTOCK-Ash Academy, planning to open in 2023, is currently seeking consult from the public to support the opening of the school.

The school is planned to be located on the outskirts of the village of Ash near Martock and will provide 120 new special school places for pupils aged between 5 to 16 years who have a Social Emotional and Mental Health Needs (SEMH) and/or Speech Language Communication needs (SLCN)

Pupils will be placed at the academy by Somerset County Council whom Wave Multi Academy Trust are working closely with, along with the Department for Education, as plans are developed to ensure this Special Free School meets need.

Wave Trust is an established and successful Multi Academy Trust, comprising of alternative provision academies (APAs), medical academies and a Special Academy for pupils with SEND needs.

The curriculum for the pupils will offer academic subjects that engage and give our pupils the best chance of success.

These include supporting their next steps in life and careers.

Key stage 4 pupils will study GCSEs and other suitable qualifications including vocational options.

As well as in the classroom work, outdoor education and practical learning will help to engage pupils across all ages.

All pupils who attend the school will have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and places will be commissioned by Somerset County Council and parents will need to name the school as their preferred choice.

As Martock-Ash Academy is not yet built or a registered school with the Department for Education, the Somerset Statutory SEND Team are not yet able to name or formally consult the academy on places.

In order for a new school to open Multi Academy Trusts have a statutory duty to consult.

Online the school has said: "You can help support our new academy by completing this short survey."

The survey will record the support and is a great opportunity to gather views, opinions, suggestions and offers of help.

To support the opening of the Academy complete the statutory consultation survey at this link https://forms.office.com/r/12C43dY6Aw.

The closing date for the survey is June 22nd and the closing date for providing feedback to the school directly is April 30.

For more information on the school visit www.martockashacademy.co.uk/