UP TO 100 pupils with special educational needs could benefit from a planned special free school in the Selby Area.

North Yorkshire County Council has submitted a bid to the Department for Education (DfE), for the school, which would help pupils aged between three and 19 who currently have to travel out of the area for education.

The bid is part of the council’s Strategic Plan for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Education Provision, and was supported by 94 per cent of respondents to survey.

County Councillor Steph Duckett, a member for Selby Barlby division, said: "Selby families have struggled for years with having to bus youngsters to schools in other areas.

"It’s hard enough coping with SEND problems without the worry of long-distance school journeys. In my time on Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee, I have come to understand even more the problems involved in SEND provision and know how hard the County Council works to do a good job with limited funds."

County Councillor Patrick Mulligan said: "At present, some children and young people from the Selby area have to travel significant distances to their special schools. A new special school would enable them to go to school in their community and with their friends, which would support their social and emotional wellbeing. It would reduce travelling time and, therefore, the time they spend away from their home and community."

The proposed free school would be a state-funded academy, outside local authority control and operated by an academy trust.

The council should learn early next year whether the bid has been successful.