Hertfordshire County Council expands SEND provision with new specialist places
Up to 128 new SEND school places have been approved.
Proposals to create four new SEND Units and a new satellite provision creating up to 128 additional specialist places have been approved by Hertfordshire County Council's Cabinet.
On Wednesday 4 November 2026, the councillors approved proposals to invest more than £7m to create 88 specialist places through four new SEND Units in mainstream schools.
SEND Units support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and require specialist support, while enabling them to remain connected to their local school community.
The proposals include: 12 place SEND Unit at St Mary's Infants' School, Baldock; 16 place SEND Unit at Shenley Primary School, Radlett; 36 place SEND Unit at Hitchin Boys' School, Hitchin; and 24 place SEND Unit at Ralph Sadleir School, Ware.
SEND Units improve inclusion, support better outcomes for children and families, and reduce the need for placements further from home. They provide an adapted learning environment and curriculum for pupils with more complex or multiple needs. Children receive most of their education within the unit while remaining part of the wider school community, joining mainstream lessons, activities and school events where appropriate.
Alongside the SEND Unit proposals, the county council's Cabinet also considered plans to extend the age range and enlarge Colnbrook Special School by developing a satellite of the school at Woodhall Primary School. Cabinet approved the proposal alongside the funding, of more than £3m, needed to deliver the special school satellite expansion.
The satellite provision will create an additional 40 places for children and young people with severe learning difficulties, enabling more pupils to access high-quality specialist education closer to home.
Together, these plans will create 128 additional specialist places and form part of Hertfordshire County Council's SEND Provision Plan, which is increasing specialist capacity across mainstream schools, special schools and post-16 settings so more children and young people can access the right support, in the right place and as close to home as possible.
Speaking about the plans, Councillor Mark Watkin, Executive Member for Education, SEND and Inclusion, said: "Every child deserves to feel included, supported, and able to thrive in education close to their home. We’re building a more flexible system, so children get the right support, at the right time, in the right setting.
"SEND Units are an important part of that approach, providing specialist support within mainstream schools, while our plans for Colnbrook's satellite provision will increase capacity for children and young people whose needs require a higher level of specialist support.
"Together, these plans developments will strengthen the range of support available for children with SEND across the county."
Mrs Melidoro, the Headteacher of Morgans Primary School in Hertford which has just opened its SEND Unit, said the inclusive approach is already making a difference for pupils who joined at the start of the autumn term.
"The children have settled in beautifully. They are part of our Sycamore and Willow classes and every child wanted to welcome them into their cohort. They are part of lunchtimes, playtimes and, in some cases, lessons such as PE and Music. The children have forged friendships in their cohort; they are part of our Morgans family."