SEND support plan for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conditionally approved
BCP Council receives approval with funding alongside improvement notice
Last updated 6th Oct 2026
A plan to improve Special Educational Needs and Disabilities support across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has been conditionally approved.
The Department for Education has approved BCP Council’s SEND Reform Plan.
In its outcome letter, the Government said BCP’s plan had “met the required threshold and provides a positive foundation from which to move into delivery”.
Ministers also recognised progress made in strengthening leadership, relationships and governance, as well as the ambition behind the shared improvement plan.
The department highlighted the “good momentum” across education, health and care.
Approval also brings significant government financial support with BCP Council now eligible for a £161.85m High Needs Stability Grant, based on the Government’s current indicative allocation.
This will cover 90 per cent of the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit built up to the end of 2025-26, with the final amount subject to the council’s audited accounts.
Councillor Richard Burton, portfolio holder for children and young people, education and skills, said: “Our SEND reform plan is a result of many hours of work, not only by the BCP SEND team but with our partners and through the voices of children, young people, parents and carers who have helped shape our plans.
“Their experiences keep us focused on what matters most.
“Our ambition is simple: a SEND system where every child and young person feels they belong, are listened to and can thrive.
“This approval is an important step on that journey.
“Getting the plan approved is an important moment for children and young people with SEND, their families, and everyone who has worked so hard to improve support across our local area.
“We know that many families have faced challenges in getting the support their child needs, and we know there is still more work to do.
“That’s why this decision matters. It tells us that our plan is good and achievable.
“This decision gives us the confidence to enact the plan fully; to continue improving services; building local support and making sure children and young people get the right help at the right time.”
However in a letter from the Minister for School Standards to Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes the decision on the place is designated as “Approval with Improvement Notice”. It said the council “still has further work to do to strengthen their readiness to deliver reform successfully”.
The department identified a need to strengthen collective ownership, governance, capability and partnership working, alongside clear senior accountability and robust performance monitoring.
As part of the approval, the council will receive closer monitoring and targeted support, including Strategic Review Meetings with government officials.
Tom Hayes MP said: “The Government is wiping away £165m of BCP Council’s historic SEND deficit while telling council leaders to prepare better to deliver reform.
“I asked BCP Council to create a standalone document that brings all of its work together, setting out what will be delivered, who is responsible, when it will happen, and how families can scrutinise delivery.”