Headteacher's Letter - May 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

I am writing to share some important and positive updates about developments at Swanshurst following recent consultation and ongoing investment in our school.

Outcome of the Consultation on a Resource Base at Swanshurst

Thank you to all parents, carers, staff and partners who engaged with the recent consultation on the proposal to establish a Resource Base for girls with autism at Swanshurst. The consultation ran throughout March and included written feedback alongside staff and parent meetings.

I am very pleased to share that the consultation demonstrated very strong support for the proposal:

• 92% of respondents supported the establishment of the Resource Base
• 100% of staff responses were supportive
• Strong backing was also received from local schools, SEND professionals and partner organisations

Respondents highlighted several clear benefits, including:

• Meeting a significant local need for specialist provision while enabling pupils to remain closer to home
• Supporting inclusion, wellbeing and improved attendance for pupils with autism
• Positive whole-school benefits through staff training and shared specialist expertise
• The opportunity for Swanshurst to develop as a centre of excellence for practice

This positive outcome means we will now move forward with the next stages of planning, working closely with Birmingham City Council and partners.

Architect’s visualisations of the proposed resource base.

Questions and Answers from the Consultation

During the consultation, a number of thoughtful questions and concerns were raised. We would like to reassure parents on some of the most frequently discussed themes:

• Staff training and workload - Staff will receive structured, high-quality training, and specialist Resource Base staff will work alongside colleagues to model inclusive practice. This will build confidence and consistency across the school.

• Funding and sustainability - The Resource Base will be funded through additional, ring-fenced resources. It will not reduce existing SEND funding or provision at Swanshurst.
   
• Admissions and fairness - Places will be allocated by the local authority through the SEND admissions process and will be for new Year 7 pupils only, with the first intake planned for September 2027.
   
• Integration with mainstream lessons - Transitions between the Resource Base and mainstream lessons will be carefully planned, gradual and personalised, ensuring pupils feel supported and successful.
   
• Behaviour and safety - Calm spaces, predictable routines and autism?informed practice are proven to support good behaviour. All staff will continue to receive training in positive behaviour support, benefiting the whole school.
   
• Impact on existing SEND support - The Resource Base is an addition, not a replacement. Existing SEND provision will continue, enhanced by the increased expertise across the school

Thank you to everyone who contributed to shaping this proposal so constructively.

Update on the New Sports Hall Building

Work on our new Sports Hall continues to progress well. The structure is now taking shape internally, with external brickwork advancing steadily. Windows and doors have been ordered, and the building is expected to become weather?tight shortly.

Staff have begun reviewing samples of internal finishes, and exciting plans are being explored to offer pupil tours, particularly for students interested in construction, architecture and engineering.

While recent adverse weather has required some adjustments to the build sequence, contractors remain confident that the project will be delivered within the overall expected timescale. This development represents a significant long?term investment in physical education, wellbeing and enrichment opportunities for our students.

Senior Leadership Team Changes from September

From September, we will be making carefully planned changes to the Senior Leadership Team in order to strengthen leadership capacity at Swanshurst.

As many of you know, I will be taking on the combined role of Chief Executive Officer of the Trust alongside the position of Executive Headteacher of Swanshurst. In response, we are expanding and reshaping leadership responsibilities to ensure the school continues to be led with clarity, capacity and ambition.

These changes:

• Increase leadership capacity
• Ensure strong day?to?day operational leadership
• Maintain a sharp focus on quality of education, inclusion and pupil wellbeing

The following appointments will take effect from September:

Executive Headteacher:                   Mr M Dunn

New Associate Headteachers:        Mrs S Fletcher and Mrs L Else.

New Deputy Headteachers:             Mrs R Bennett and Ms C Place

New Assistant Headteacher:           Ms A Sanneh

Together, these changes ensure that Swanshurst continues to benefit from strong, visible leadership at all levels. The expanded team will allow us to maintain a sharp focus on high standards, inclusion, wellbeing and continuous improvement as the school continues to grow and develop.

Yours sincerely

Mr M Dunn
Headteacher