Sefton Council is set to consider proposals to develop a new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school at the former Litherland Moss Primary School site and the neighbouring Sally Eccleston building, as detailed in a report due to be presented to Cabinet on 5 March 2026. 

Modern specialist education facility

The paper outlines options for transforming the site into a modern specialist education facility that would help address the growing demand for SEND places within the borough. 

Demand for specialist places in Sefton has grown significantly in recent years and although there is ongoing investment, the pace of demand has continued to exceed available capacity.  

This has meant that a number of pupils currently travel out of the borough for suitable provision. 

The report confirms that initial feasibility work has assessed the former Litherland Moss school buildings, and the adjacent Sally Eccleston building, as potential locations for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and complex needs. 

Early assessments suggest the site could accommodate more than 160 pupils if redeveloped.

Three options  

The three options Cabinet will consider are refurbishing the existing buildings, demolishing them to construct a new purpose‑built SEND school, or pursuing a mixed redevelopment that would provide a SEND facility on the former primary school footprint while exploring the potential for affordable housing on the Sally Eccleston part of the site.  

If Cabinet approves the recommendations, the Council will develop outline designs and engage technical consultants to explore the options in more detail. 

In reviewing these options, the Council’s priority will be the best outcomes for Sefton’s children and young people.

Best outcome for children, families, and wider community

The review will also take into account the environmental benefits of refurbishment, which typically results in lower carbon emissions and less construction waste compared to a full demolition and rebuild. Refurbishment could also allow a new facility to be delivered more quickly, helping to meet the urgent need for additional local SEND places sooner. This ensures that no option is being considered simply on cost alone, but rather on what will provide the best, most timely and most sustainable outcome for children, families, and the wider community.  

Public consultation will follow later in the process as part of any future planning application.

Supported and understood   

Cllr Diane Roscoe, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, said: “We know how important it is for children and young people with SEND to feel supported, understood and close to the communities they call home.  

“This report is an important first step, and Cabinet will carefully consider how we can strengthen the support we provide and create more opportunities for our children to thrive right here in Sefton.” 

Local families care

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills and Deputy Leader, said: “As both ward councillor for Ford and Cabinet Member, I know how important this site is to our community and how much local families care about its future.  

“We want to make sure that whatever comes next truly benefits the people who live here. Exploring all the options carefully is an important step in ensuring the site continues to play a positive role for our children, young people and the wider neighbourhood.” 

You can find the  agenda and papers for next week's  Cabinet meeting here.

You can find out more about SEND services in Sefton here.