en.Wedoany.com Reported - A two-year, £8.2 million expansion project at The Orchards Federation in Bolton is nearing completion, providing new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) places in the area.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the final phase of the project at The Orchards Federation. The work, carried out across two sites on Highfield Road, has created new and refurbished spaces for The Orchards Nursery School, Cherry Tree Primary School, and Green Fold Special School. The multi-million-pound scheme has transformed and expanded buildings at both locations, delivering a new early years unit and additional sports facilities.

The total capacity at Green Fold Special School has increased from 130 to 185 places.

The plan is part of Bolton Council's "Belonging in Bolton Strategy," aimed at meeting the growing demand for SEND places, a challenge faced by councils across the UK.

Cllr Rabiya Jiva, Bolton Council's Executive Cabinet Member for Children's Services, said that The Orchards Federation comprises three popular and highly regarded schools, and this £8.2 million investment will enable more students to benefit from the highest level of education in a supportive and inclusive environment. Like many areas in the UK, the demand for SEND places is increasing, and Bolton wants as many children as possible to attend school locally to stay close to their families and friends. Beyond this expansion, the wider "Belonging in Bolton Strategy" underpins a commitment to inclusive practices by ensuring mainstream schools can meet the additional needs of SEND children.

Construction was carried out in phases by Seddon, a family-owned local employer, to minimize disruption to school life. During the project, Seddon spent over £2 million on the local supply chain, completed 100 hours of volunteering, and donated £7,000 to community initiatives. The company also provided 56 weeks of skills enhancement training for apprentices and offered industry placements for T-Level students from Bolton College.