New special needs school in Winnersh could be built on farm

A plan has been lodged to build a 150-pupil Special Educational Needs (SEN) School in Winnersh.

The new education institution, known as Oak Tree School, would cater for children aged 5 to 19.

If built, it will specifically support those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

During PE lessons, pupils will be exercised on a playing field and a multi use games area (MUGA).

And during break time, pupils can enjoy eating their lunch outside on warm days, and play on either grass or the the concrete.

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Classrooms for the children would be contained within one 1.5 to two storey building, which is divided between primary school and secondary school areas.

The school would be located at Winnersh Farm, which is situated off Woodward Close.

The plan has been submitted by the Department for Education, which has identified a need for the school for pupils living in Wokingham Borough and Reading Borough.

If everything goes ahead, the school would be run by the Maiden Erlegh Trust, and could be opened in September next year. The Maiden Erlegh Trust currently runs seven schools and colleges in the area, including in Reading and Earley.

A new access road would be built so staff, parents, and guardians can get to the school.

Plans include 69 regular car parking spaces, four mini-bus bays, and six disabled spaces.

The masterplan for the proposed Oak Tree SEN School at Winnersh Farm. Credit: Department of Education

The school has been recommended for approval by planning officer Sophie Morris subject to 32 conditions which control construction and other aspects of the plan.

The plan is set to be approved by Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee tomorrow (Wednesday, September 8).

The new SEND school would be located next to the nearby Wheatfield Primary School, which was opened in 2014, and the Royal British Legion. 

A circle outlining where the Oak Tree SEND School will be. Credit: Department of Education

Google Maps shows the Winnersh allotments which run parallel to the M4.

There are also plans for 87 homes at Winnersh Farms to the north of the proposed school.