Warwickshire expands SEND support in schools enhancing access for local children
New provisions open in primary and secondary schools across the county
Warwickshire is enhancing its support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) by opening new SEND Resource Provisions in mainstream schools across the county.
These new resource provisions provide over 100 additional specialist places for children whose needs can be met through a mix of mainstream education and targeted support.
The initiative focuses on supporting pupils with Communication and Interaction (C&I) needs and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
This allows more children to access high-quality education closer to home while remaining part of their local school community.
The demand for specialist provision in Warwickshire has grown significantly, with the number of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) rising by about 9% annually over the past five years.
Warwickshire County Council plans to further increase the number of resourced provision places to more than 500 by 2028, reflecting national trends.
Schools involved in the current expansion include St Gabriel's C of E Academy in Rugby, Ryton-on-Dunsmore Provost Williams Primary School, St Oswald's C of E Academy in Rugby, Binley Woods Primary School, Race Leys Infant School in Bedworth, All Saints C of E Primary School in Bedworth, Tysoe Primary School in Warwick, and Holy Trinity Primary School in Stratford.
Additional provisions are planned at Brownsover Community School, Ashlawn School, Wembrook Primary, Watling Meadow Primary, and Keresley Newland Primary School.
Councillor Wayne Briggs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education, emphasised the council's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity for SEND students, stating,
"We are committed to ensuring that children and young people with SEND can access the right support, at the right time, and as close to home as possible. These new resource provisions will help more pupils benefit from specialist support while remaining part of their local school communities."
The development of these provisions is part of a broader programme aimed at expanding specialist SEND support, increasing opportunities for children and young people, and ensuring they receive education in settings that best suit their individual needs.