A former council care home in Keynsham is being transformed into a new specialist school and two children’s homes, providing much-needed education and care for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Work began on Monday 19 October to convert Charlton House, in Hawthorns Lane, into a 30-place specialist school for children and young people aged 11 to 18 with complex needs, including autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. The development will also include two separate children’s homes, each accommodating up to four children.
The project is part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s commitment to providing more specialist education and care locally, allowing children and young people to remain closer to their families, friends and communities rather than being placed outside the area.
Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said, “Starting work at Charlton House is an important step towards providing more specialist education and care closer to home for children and young people here in Bath and North East Somerset.
“We want children with complex needs to be able to receive the right support close to their families, friends and local communities. The new school and children’s homes will provide a safe and welcoming environment where children and young people can learn, develop their independence and thrive.
“I would like to thank local residents for their continued engagement with the project. We will work closely with the contractor to keep neighbours informed as the work progresses.”
Construction company Beard has begun a six-week programme of preparatory works, including installing site hoarding, setting up temporary services and safety systems, and carrying out work inside the existing building. The main refurbishment programme is expected to begin in late November.
The development is one of several projects aimed at expanding local SEND provision. A new resource base currently under construction at Mulberry Park Primary School will support up to 10 pupils, while plans have been submitted for a new facility on the Wellsway School and IKB Academy campus in Keynsham, providing up to 20 places for young people aged 11 to 19.
Charlton House has been vacant since March 2024, when it closed as a council care home. Planning permission for its conversion was granted in July 2026, with the new school expected to open for the 2027/28 academic year.
