The council will invest £6.76 million of Education Capital Grant funding during 2026 to 2027 to create 15 new specialist base places and 10 special school places. These will be open by September 2027, subject to approvals. The programme forms part of a wider plan to deliver a total of 95 specialist base places and 78 special school places by September 2029.
The investment supports the council's SEND Reform Plan and Education Sufficiency Strategy 2026 to 2031, helping more children access the right support closer to home while reducing reliance on costly out-of-area placements.
The programme includes the development and expansion of specialist provision at several sites, including:
- The Pines specialist base
- Great Hollands Primary School
- Forest View School
- Hawthorn Academy satellite provision at the former College Hall site
- redevelopment of the Child Development Centre
The council has also agreed to pause the sale of the former College Hall site while it reviews its potential long-term use for SEND provision. This could provide additional specialist capacity and support future demand within the borough.
Cllr Megan Wright, cabinet member for children, young people and health, said:
"The programme is an important step towards ensuring every child can access the right education, in the right place, at the right time. The plans aim to strengthen local provision while helping children and young people remain connected to their schools, friends and communities wherever possible.”
The investment responds to rising demand for SEND services and addresses findings from the SEND inspection in 2025, which identified a need for more local specialist provision. By expanding services within the borough, the council aims to improve outcomes for children and young people, reduce travel requirements and create a more sustainable and inclusive education system.
The programme will be delivered over the next 3 years, subject to consultation, planning approvals and funding arrangements.
More information
Read full details of what was approved in the report papers for the Cabinet meeting on 13 October 2026.
Specialist base places are places within a mainstream school offering additional support for children with SEND.
