A public consultation has been launched on the future of Bede Community Primary School's Additionally Resourced Mainstream School (ARMS) provision, which supports children with additional needs in Gateshead.
The school, located on Old Fold Road, currently provides for 16 pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and six with social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH). At present, there are 12 ASD pupils in the provision and one in the SEMH provision.
Consultation Details and Background
According to Gateshead Council's website, ARMS are schools that specialise in a particular area of learning need. Children in ARMS usually have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and are generally taught in classes with a higher level of support than a typical mainstream school. However, an EHCP is not required for Bede's SEMH provision.
The consultation follows concerns about whether the current arrangements can continue in the long term, both financially and operationally. No decision has been made, and the consultation gives parents, staff and other stakeholders the chance to share their views and put forward alternative suggestions.
Council's Commitment to SEND Support
Suzanne Dunn, Director of Education, Schools and Inclusion at Gateshead Council, said: "The Governing Body of Bede Primary School has launched a public consultation on the future of its ARMS provision, which supports children with additional needs in a mainstream school setting.
"The consultation follows concerns about whether the current arrangements can continue in the long term, both financially and operationally.
"No decision has been made, and the consultation gives parents, staff and other stakeholders the chance to share their views and put forward alternative suggestions. Gateshead Council remains committed to improving support for children and young people with SEND. As part of our SEND Strategy, plans are in place to increase specialist support within mainstream schools, including additional ARMS places expected to open during the 2027-28 academic year, subject to the necessary approvals.
"This is part of the Council's wider Inclusion Strategy to ensure more children and young people can access the specialist support they need in Gateshead."
How to Participate
The consultation will run until November 12, 2026. Those directly affected, as well as the wider community, can have their say on the prospect of the closing of the ARMS provision at Bede Community School.
