Whitley Lodge First School, in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside (Image: newcastle chronicle)

A shake-up of special educational needs (SEN) provision in North Tyneside’s schools has been signed off. Plans approved by councillors on Monday evening will include expanding the age range of a special school and the closure of a unit for children with moderate learning difficulties.

North Tyneside Council said that the reorganisation would “better reflect” pupils’ changing needs, despite concerns that some youngsters could “fall through gaps”. The council’s proposals include decommissioning an Additional Resourced Provision (ARP) at Whitley Lodge First School, in Whitley Bay , which had capacity to support five children with moderate learning difficulties.

Labour councillor Steve Phillips, th

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