Education, Poole | Posted on November 11th, 2025 | return to news

New SEND skills centre opens in Poole

A newly refurbished space at Linwood School will equip students with the skills and confidence needed for life beyond school.

Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are learning skills such as woodwork and DIY at the Linwood Post-16 Skills Centre.

Funded by BCP Council, working in partnership with Linwood School, the newly refurbished space will equip students with the skills and confidence needed for life beyond school.

Located at the former Ted Webster Children’s Centre in Poole, the newly repurposed facility will offer up to 60 specialist places. A total of 36 of these places will be for students continuing from Linwood’s main site, and 24 new places will be created to meet growing local demand. This expansion ensures more young people can access tailored education and support close to home.

The Skills Centre focuses on preparing students for independent, healthy and fulfilling lives.

Specialist classrooms and a fully equipped skills flat – including a bathroom, kitchen and living space – provide students with hands-on opportunities to learn essential life skills. These include budgeting for weekly shopping, cooking, managing laundry and cleaning, and practising self-care and hygiene. The welcoming environment is designed to help young people build independence while feeling confident, empowered and included.

Lorna Booth, a governor of Linwood School and a parent of a young person joining the Skills Centre this term, said: “It’s been amazing to see how quickly my son Alfie has settled into the new Skills Centre. He only started a few days ago, but the difference is already clear. The former centre just wasn’t meeting the students’ needs anymore, and while change can be challenging, this move is already opening up new opportunities. Alfie is thriving – especially enjoying the new ICT facilities – and it’s giving him a real foundation for a more independent and fulfilling future.”

Gemma Talbot, executive headteacher of Linwood School, said: “We are excited to open the doors to our new Post-16 Skills Centre. This space has been thoughtfully designed to support our students in developing the skills, confidence and independence they need to thrive in adulthood.”

Funded through national education grants, the Skills Centre cost £1.55m, but is expected to save between £1.14m and £1.5m annually by reducing reliance on out-of-area placements.

Cllr Richard Burton, BCP Council portfolio holder for Children and Young People, said: “BCP Council is committed to investing in young people with SEND. The new Skills Centre is a vital step in improving local support and helping students build brighter futures. I am very much looking forward to visiting and seeing the difference that this great facility makes to our young people.”

Students are transitioning into the Skills Centre gradually. The site became fully ready to welcome learners after the October half-term break. An Open Day is being held on Wednesday 12 November.