CONSULTATION: Proposed implementation of a SEND Unit for pupils with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) at Norden Primary Academy

5th December 2025  

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 Norden Primary Academy, Shawfield Lane, Rochdale, OL12 7RQ 

Introduction   

Norden Primary Academy is proposing to make an application for ‘Significant Change’ to the Department for Education (DfE) to recognise provision for children with SEND as a SEND unit. We are requesting that this change is recognised from 1st March 2026. 

As part of the consultation process and legal requirements, we are writing to parents, key stakeholders and the local community to seek feedback regarding the proposed changes.  

The consultation process will begin on Friday 5th December 2025 and end at 5pm on Monday 5th January 2026.  A copy of this consultation is also provided on the Norden 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?   

Norden Primary Academy currently has a pupil admission number of 60 per year group. Under the proposals, this will remain unchanged. The change would be to offer up to 22 additional SEND places for children to access our Communication Hub. Some of our existing pupils are already benefitting from the provision we have in place. The additional places created will be designated to the provision of SEND pupils who have Speech, Language and Communication Needs and Autism Spectrum Condition with Educational Health Care Plans. The intention is to give local families choice within their local community.   

Norden Primary Academy provides support to our current SEND pupils using existing funding through the Academy Communication Hub. The benefits of securing the funding and implementing the proposed change is that the Academy will receive full funding for the places available to support the development of the service provided; creating further strong links between families, the community and the school; and improved continuity of SEND educational provision resulting in better outcomes for the children.    

The Local Authority fully supports this proposal. 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 Mrs J Hughes, Director of Education, The Harmony Trust Ltd, Norden Primary Academy, Shawfield Lane, Rochdale, OL12 7RQ 

• 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. 

Regards,  

Mrs Bentham 

Principal