Listen Live
Sunrise Gold

New Specialist SEND Centre Opens in Bradford

Friday, 16 October 2026 06:00

Lucy Stead, Manager of the SCIL Team (left), and Alice Ngondi, Head of Specialist Teaching and Support Services (right), celebrate the opening of Bradford Council's new SCIL Centre, the first provision of its kind in the

A pioneering new centre has officially opened in Bradford to support children with complex special educational needs and disabilities, helping schools prevent exclusions and improve attendance.

A new specialist centre designed to support children with complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has officially opened in Bradford.

The Social, Communication, Interaction and Learning (SCIL) Centre is the first facility of its kind in the district and will provide specialist assessment, support and intervention for children attending schools across Bradford.

Developed by Bradford Council's Specialist Teaching and Support Services (STaSS) team, the centre aims to help children with complex needs who may be at risk of permanent exclusion from school or require additional specialist intervention.

Located at Margaret McMillan Primary School, the centre works directly with children while also supporting teachers and education professionals to develop the skills and confidence needed to meet pupils' individual needs.

The facility will also serve as a training hub, allowing specialists to demonstrate effective teaching approaches and share their expertise with school staff from across the district.

According to Bradford Council, the centre has already helped reduce permanent exclusions, improve attendance and increase engagement among children with complex needs.

It has also supported schools and SEND professionals in identifying appropriate longer-term support, funding and specialist placements where required.

Councillor Sally Birch, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Children and Families, welcomed the opening.

She said every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and achieve their potential, adding that the centre would help ensure pupils receive the right support at the right time.

Councillor Birch, who has visited the facility, praised the dedication of staff and said the centre was already making a positive difference to children and their families.

The project has been developed with the support of Bradford headteachers and is based on a successful model already operating in Worcestershire.

The council hopes the centre will strengthen specialist education provision across the district, helping more children remain engaged in education and receive the support they need to succeed.

Source: Bradford Council, 15 October 2026.

Share

More from Local and National News

On Air Now Breakfast 7:00am - 9:00am

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

  • Alim OnAir Alim OnAir

    Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.

  • Legal Show Legal Show

    Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.

  • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

    Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm

  • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

    Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm