Support for children with SEND to increase across BCP
Specialist Inclusion Bases to expand in the 2026/27 school year
Last updated 22 hours ago
More children across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will soon receive specialist support closer to home as new and expanded Specialist Inclusion Bases are set to open during the 2026/27 school year.
BCP Council is collaborating with local mainstream schools to expand Specialist Inclusion Bases, which are specialist provisions within mainstream schools that provide targeted support to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
These expansions aim to enhance access to local support and reduce the need for children to travel outside the BCP area for schooling.
New bases are opening at Muscliff Primary School, Bethany CE Junior School, Somerford Primary School, and Pokesdown Primary School.
Existing specialist provisions at Queen's Park Infant Academy, Old Town Infant School, St. Clement's and St. John's CE Infant School will transition into Specialist Inclusion Bases.
Moreover, Manorside Primary School plans to expand its specialist provision by 10 places, facilitating more localised support.
Specialist Support Within Mainstream Schools
Specialist Inclusion Bases are designed to offer tailored support within mainstream schools, allowing children to participate in school life alongside peers where suitable.
This initiative is part of broader investments in SEND services, with additional specialist provision planned for the future across BCP.
Councillor Richard Burton, BCP Council's Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People, Education and Skills, emphasised that this expansion gives children the opportunity to succeed and helps families trust in local educational opportunities.
The schools involved are part of the Coastal Learning Partnership, which has been supporting SEND students since 2024. Their provisions will soon be formally recognised.
The partnership has also developed satellite classes linked to Linwood School and Winchelsea School, further enhancing local educational opportunities.
National Recognition for Inclusive Practices
Earlier this year, Heatherlands Primary School was acknowledged by the Department for Education as a National Lead School for Inclusion Bases.
Paul Howieson, Chief Executive of Coastal Learning Partnership, expressed pride in collaboration efforts with BCP Council.
Director of Education and Skills at BCP Council, Lisa Linscott, noted the importance of the expansions in supporting inclusive education for children with SEND across BCP.