Update on Flag Lane Baths 

16 February 2026

Councillor Laura Crane, chair of the Children and Families Committee at Cheshire East Council, said: “Our priority is to ensure that every child in Cheshire East has the best possible start in life. A key part of this is strengthening an inclusive mainstream education system, so that children can access the right support, at the right time, within their local community. 

“Following the government’s update on free schools, we agreed to progress with Westfields. At today’s committee meeting, we also agreed that the proposed school at Flag Lane Baths will no longer proceed. We will be accepting £3.465 million in high needs capital grant funding from the Department for Education over the next three years, which will be invested in improving physical environments in our mainstream schools. Other areas of development such as early intervention and workforce development will continue to be funded through the High Needs Block. 

“By focusing on inclusion within mainstream settings, more children will be able to have their needs met locally. Our investment in both physical environments and in early support strategies will help us respond to rising demand and meet needs earlier, often without the requirement for a formal assessment. 

“Alternative options for the future use of the former Flag Lane Baths site will now be explored.”