A SPECIALIST base for children with special educational needs in the borough could become a permanent fixture in Brierley Hill as part of a SEND improvement programme.

The unit, based at Hawbush Primary School, will cater for up to eight children with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).

It has been in use since January on a temporary basis but council chiefs now want to make the facility permanent.

The local authority is also proposing to implement post-16 education at Halesbury School in Halesowen. Plans could see four children aged 16-plus with autism join the roll at the special school from September 2020, with numbers increasing in future years if it proves successful.

Council chiefs say the move would stop pupils having to travel outside the borough to have their schools needs met.

A consultation is now underway with parents, staff and residents living nearby able to have their say.

Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "As part of our new wider inclusion strategy, Dudley Council is committed to improving outcomes for all pupils.

"We have seen a sustained increase in the borough in recent years in the need for specialist educational provision for young people with special educational needs.

"These proposals will allow pupils to be taught in dedicated units by specialist staff and, in the case of Hawbush, allow opportunities to integrate into mainstream classes where appropriate.

"Both schools have extensive experience in meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs.

"It would prevent pupils from having to travel long distances to get to schools outside the borough, which is what is happening in some cases currently."

People can view the full proposals and have their say on Hawbush at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/council-community/get-involved/hawbush-primary-school-consultation/, and Halesbury at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/council-community/get-involved/halesbury-school-consultation/

Responses for the consultation need to be received by April 29.