FAQs
- Accommodation designed for primary-aged children.
- Dedicated outdoor learning and play spaces.
- The opportunity to provide a stable long-term location for pupils and staff.
- Effective use of a vacant school building.
- Space to support the delivery of specialist educational provision.
Why is the Council considering this proposal?
The proposal forms part of wider work to ensure that children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) have access to suitable, sustainable and high-quality educational provision.
The Council believes the Forest Hall Primary School site could provide a more appropriate long-term environment for primary-aged pupils than the current accommodation at the Langdale Centre.
The site became vacant following the relocation of Forest Hall Primary School under a proposal of the Strategic Education Review.
Why is the Langdale Centre not considered suitable in the long term?
The Langdale Centre was only intended as a short term solution to growing pupil numbers and the emergency relocation from the satellite site within Grasmere Academy, following the identification of structural problems within Grasmere Academy.
Whilst it has enabled the school to continue operating, it is a former middle school building that was not designed to meet the needs of a modern specialist SEND primary provision or pupils of a primary age. The building requires ongoing investment and has limitations in terms of its layout, condition and long-term sustainability.
The Council is therefore exploring whether a more suitable long-term base can be identified for the primary pupils of Silverdale School.
Why has the Forest Hall Primary School site been identified?
The Forest Hall site is a purpose-built primary school and has the potential to provide a more cohesive environment for primary-aged pupils.
The site offers:
The Authority acknowledges that some alterations will be required prior to Silverdale relocating. If the decision was made to proceed with the relocation, we would work with the school to agree what works will be required.
What happened to Forest Hall Primary School?
As part of the Authority’s Strategic Education Review, the proposal to merge Ivy Road Primary School and Forest Hall Primary School was approved in January 2026. The decision was made in response to falling pupil numbers, increasing surplus places across the education system, Ivy Road’s academy order, and the absence of a confirmed academy sponsor.
As a result, Ivy Road Primary School closed on 31 August 2026, and Forest Hall Primary School relocated to the Ivy Road site. The Ivy Road building was considered more suitable because it offered sufficient space to accommodate the combined pupil numbers.
Has a decision already been made?
No.
We are consulting before making any decisions. Feedback received during the consultation will help inform whether the proposal should proceed further.
Would Silverdale School remain a SEND school?
Yes.
The proposal relates only to the location of where the primary aged pupils of Silverdale School are taught.
Which pupils would be affected by the proposal?
The proposal relates to pupils aged 4 to 11, who are enrolled in the primary part of Silverdale School and who are currently accommodated at the Langdale Centre.
Would any changes be made to the age range, admission arrangements or designation of Silverdale School?
No changes are proposed to the school's designation or admission arrangements as part of this consultation.
The consultation is solely about the potential relocation of the primary years to a different school site.
What would happen to pupils currently attending Silverdale School if the proposal proceeds?
Should the proposal proceed, detailed transition arrangements would be developed in partnership with the school and families to ensure any move is carefully planned and managed.
How would the proposal affect transport arrangements?
We recognise that travel arrangements are an important consideration for many families.
As part of the consultation process, the potential impact on travel and transport will be assessed and feedback from parents, carers and other stakeholders will be considered.
What would happen to the Langdale Centre if the proposal goes ahead?
No decisions have been taken regarding the future use of the Langdale Centre.
The current consultation is focused solely on the proposal to relocate the primary phase of Silverdale School.
What would happen to the Forest Hall Primary School site if the proposal does not proceed?
Should the proposal not proceed, we would need to consider alternative options for the future use of the vacant site.
There are currently no other alternative options being considered.
Why is the Council proposing to continue using the site for education rather than for another purpose?
The land has a covenant on it, which means it must be used for education purposes. To disapply the covenant, consent would need to be sought from the Secretary of State.
The former Forest Hall Primary School site is a purpose-built educational facility, which will benefit the current and future pupils of Silverdale School and prevent an asset of the local community from deteriorating.
What impact would the proposal have on the Forest Hall community?
The site has historically been used as a school and would continue to operate as an educational setting if the proposal proceeds.