SEND School Archives - Willow Rivers

Fantastic News: Planning Secured for Earley Springs SEN School – A Major Milestone for Investors

April 13, 2025 Investments, property investment, PropTech, SEN school, SEND School

Fantastic News: Planning Secured for Earley Springs SEN School – A Major Milestone for Investors

We’re thrilled to announce that full planning approval has now been granted for the transformation of the former Downtown Victorias Leisure site in Harrietsham into a state-funded Special Educational Needs (SEN) school. This is not just a box ticked—it’s a pivotal moment that massively de-risks the project and unlocks an incredibly compelling opportunity for investors.

Why This Matters

Planning permission is often the single largest barrier and risk factor in property development. With this hurdle cleared, the project is now firmly in delivery mode. We’ve moved beyond uncertainty into execution. For investors, that means:

Less Risk, More Clarity – The riskier, speculative phase is over. The legalities are done, the site is secured, strip-out work is complete, and orders for fit-out have been placed.
Income Visibility – With Local Authority contracts underpinning school placements, the income model is robust and reliable.
GDV Doubled – The approved reconfiguration has increased school capacity, pushing the Gross Development Value (GDV) from £4.6 million to £8.4 million—great news for the refinance and investor returns.
Security First – All investments are protected with a first legal charge over the property. No other borrowing exists on the site.

A Project with Purpose

This isn’t just about financial return. Earley Springs SEN School is addressing a deeply underserved need in Kent and surrounding counties. With a staggering rise in children requiring Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and over 1,199 children in Kent alone being educated outside their local authority, the demand is critical and growing.

Backed by an experienced development team with over £150 million in completed projects, and led by passionate educational professionals, this project combines strong social impact with excellent financial fundamentals.

Investment Terms

Returns of up to 15%
Term: 12 months
Security: First Legal Charge
Exit: Refinance via Christies Finance
Minimum Investment: £15,000

The No-Brainer Factor

With planning in place, the site secured, work already underway, and a clear path to completion and refinancing—this opportunity now stands as one of the most de-risked and socially impactful investments we’ve seen. Add to that the potential for strong returns and the reassurance of tangible security, and it’s easy to see why investors are acting fast.

Want to see it for yourself?
Site tours are available. Seeing the transformation in person is a powerful way to understand just how real and ready this opportunity is.

To learn more or reserve your place in the second-round raise, please get in touch. Let’s build something that delivers more than returns—let’s make a difference.

Investing in the Future: The Case for SEN School Investment

March 7, 2025 SEN school, SEND School

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system in England is facing unprecedented financial strain. With the number of students requiring Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) rising by 71% since 2018, local authorities are struggling to keep up with the demand for specialist support. Despite government funding increasing by 59% in the last decade, the system remains unsustainable, with deficits projected to exceed £8 billion by 2027.

At Willow Rivers Wealth, we believe this challenge presents not just a crisis, but an opportunity for impactful investment. Here’s why investing in SEN education is both a socially responsible and financially viable move.

The Growing Demand for SEN Schools

The rise in EHCPs is driven by increasing diagnoses of autism (ASD), ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and mental health conditions. While mainstream schools struggle to meet these complex needs, demand for specialist school placements has skyrocketed. Currently, many students are placed in independent SEN schools, costing local authorities an average of £61,500 per pupil per year compared to £23,900 in state-funded special schools.

Investment Opportunities in SEN Schools

1. Expanding State-Funded SEN School Capacity

Building new SEN schools or expanding existing ones could save local authorities money while ensuring high-quality education for students.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) could drive cost-effective infrastructure projects.

2. Early Intervention & Inclusion in Mainstream Schools

Investing in on-site support services (e.g., speech therapists, autism specialists) can reduce reliance on EHCPs and improve mainstream inclusion.
Specialist units within mainstream schools can ease pressure on state-funded SEN schools.

3. Tech-Enabled SEN Support

AI-driven assistive technology, sensory tools, and virtual reality therapy could enhance learning experiences.
Remote diagnosis and teletherapy services could help address assessment backlogs, speeding up interventions.

4. Alternative Funding Models

Social Impact Bonds (SIBs): Investors fund SEN provision and receive returns based on improved outcomes (e.g., reduced EHCP demand, better student progress).
Tax incentives for businesses investing in SEN school infrastructure.

5. Premium Private SEN School Development

Given rising demand, high-quality private SEN schools could attract affluent families and international students.
Partnerships with charities, corporate sponsors, and educational trusts could offer scholarships for disadvantaged pupils.

6. Workforce Development for SEN Professionals

Addressing staff shortages through training programs, apprenticeships, and sponsorships for SEN teachers and therapists.
Investing in CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to enhance teaching quality and retention.

Conclusion: A Sustainable Investment with Meaningful Impact

The current SEND crisis presents an opportunity to reshape special education through strategic investments. By funding sustainable, scalable solutions, investors can generate returns while making a profound social impact.

At Willow Rivers Wealth, we are committed to exploring innovative investment opportunities that create long-term value. If you are interested in partnering on SEN school development, get in touch today!

Willow Rivers Wealth specialises in ethical, high-impact investments across education, renewable energy, and property development. Visit our website to learn more.