Lancashire considers £23 million SEND investment to expand specialist education
Proposals aim to boost local support for children with special needs
Lancashire County Council is set to consider a proposal for a £23 million investment in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.
The plan, to be reviewed by the cabinet on 3rd September, aims to improve support for thousands of children and young people by enhancing specialist and inclusive education closer to home.
The proposal includes expanding four specialist education settings, creating 150 additional places.
These expansions at Pear Tree School in Kirkham, White Ash School in Oswaldtwistle, Mayfield School in Chorley, and a new post-19 college at Sir Tom Finney Community High School in Preston, aim to accommodate children with complex needs.
The expansions received initial approval in February, supported by rigorous consultation with parents, professionals, and local communities.
Funded through the High Needs Capital Programme, these expansions are expected to be operational by September 2028.
Councillors may also approve an additional £4 million for practical improvements in schools, early years settings, and colleges, potentially allocated as £50,000 per setting.
This funding round would support hundreds of schools in maintaining inclusive local environments.
Discussions will also include speeding up the creation of about 46 additional SEND projects anticipated later this year.
The investment builds on existing improvements, including a 23% increase in support through Education, Health, and Care Plans, and a significant reduction in assessment waiting times.
Councillor Matthew Salter highlighted the importance of local access to high-quality support, stating, "Demand for SEND support continues to grow, and we know how important it is for children and families to be able to access high-quality support close to home."
Overall, the proposal seeks to create a more sustainable system with better outcomes for Lancashire's children and young people.