SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Fflint Wrecsam, is calling on his constituents to share their views on proposals for a new special school in Gwersyllt.
Wrexham Council is proposing to establish a new special school for pupils aged 3-11 years who experience social, emotional and mental health difficulties and are asking the public for their comments.
Mr Rowlands, who is the Welsh Conservative spokesman for Education and Families, is a very keen supporter of involving the public in major council decisions.
He said: “I welcome Wrexham Council’s decision to allow local people to have their say on this very important issue.
“We know that many children with special needs are able to attend mainstream schools but for those who cannot it is vital that we have the right educational setting for them.
“The number of children who need a special school place in Wrexham is increasing and it is only right and proper that Wrexham Council have asked for local feedback.
“I urge anyone who wants to have their say on the proposals to take part in the consultation.”
Wrexham Council has a strong track record for meeting a wide range of additional learning needs (ALN) with a continuum of specialist provision.
Over recent years, the demand for specialist school places for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) has risen in Wrexham. A significant number of children require a more specialist setting for their learning and well-being needs to be met.
By bringing this proposal forward, the Council intends to address the rising demand for special school places. Some children present with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs meaning they struggle to manage their emotions, behaviour and social interactions. This impacts on their learning and relationships. SEMH difficulties can stem from trauma, anxiety, ADHD or other challenges.
Children who present with SEMH require nurturing learning environments, support with their social skills and therapeutic interventions to help them feel safe and understood.
This is your opportunity to ask questions and make comments that will be considered by the Council’s Executive Board, who will decide how to proceed.
You can access the online survey via the Your Voice webpage or if you would prefer to speak to someone about this proposal, drop-in sessions are being held at Gwersyllt Community Resource Centre on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 9:30-11:30am.
There are also two virtual sessions that you can request to attend. These will be held on: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 9:30-10am and Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 5-5:30pm (to request access to the virtual session email: [email protected]).
Register your interest for the virtual drop-in session by no later than Friday June 19 and you are also welcome to ask any questions and let us have your views by emailing [email protected].
The formal consultation period began on June 2 and will end on July 16 2026.
