Knowsley Council is continuing to invest in local education provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), following Cabinet approval in December 2025 of a programme to expand specialist school capacity across the borough.
This programme includes the expansion of Knowsley Central School, which will see existing accommodation that is nearing the end of its useful lifespan and has experienced maintenance issues replaced with a new, modern modular building, while also increasing the number of available places.
Work to expand Knowsley Central School was originally planned to take place during the summer term and during the school holidays. However, the project is progressing later than originally anticipated, meaning the construction programme will now continue into the autumn term.
As a result of this, the Council has been working with the school to find alternative temporary accommodation for a small number of pupils (approximately 30) in order that they can continue with their learning whilst the work is ongoing. All other pupils at Knowsley Central will not be impacted.
This temporary provision is located within the borough on the site of Westvale Primary School in Kirkby. Pupils from Knowsley Central will be located in space at the site which is currently not being used, so it will not impact on pupils or the running of Westvale Primary School. The Council’s Assets team will be carrying out some internal modifications over the summer holidays in time for pupils moving into this temporary learning provision for the autumn term.
Supporting families
The Council and school leaders are working together to ensure there is a smooth transition for pupils and families. This includes clear communication, support for children attending the temporary site and the continuation of any existing home-to-school transport arrangements where required.
These arrangements are temporary, and all pupils will return to Knowsley Central School once the works are complete.
Cllr Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said
“We understand that any temporary change can be concerning for families, but I want to reassure parents and carers that these arrangements have been carefully planned to make sure children can continue their learning safely and with the right support in place.
“The number of pupils affected is small and we’ve ensured that the alternative provision is within the borough. This is purely a short-term measure whilst the important improvements at Knowsley Central are completed. These works will deliver better facilities and more local school places, benefiting children and families across Knowsley in the longer term.”