The proposed programme will help increase local SEND capacity across the county, supporting more children and young people to access suitable education closer to home where this is appropriate to their needs.

The funding will support a flexible capital programme. This may include the development of specialist support bases within mainstream schools, the expansion of existing specialist provision, and the acquisition, adaptation or refurbishment of suitable buildings or land where this provides a deliverable and cost-effective route to creating additional SEND capacity.

Individual schemes will be subject to DfE requirements, site availability, feasibility, procurement, affordability, statutory approvals where required, and final cost certainty before being progressed.

Westfield School is included in the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme, and the council is continuing to work with the DfE to understand whether additional local specialist capacity can be supported through that process. No decision on any Westfield site option or final scheme has been made at this stage. Any proposal would remain subject to DfE feasibility, design development, affordability and the necessary approvals.

Cllr Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“Demand for SEND provision continues to grow both nationally and locally, and we are committed to strengthening local provision so that more children and young people with SEND can access the right support, in the right place.

“This significant grant-funded investment will help the council plan for and support the delivery of additional local SEND capacity across the county. By developing support bases in mainstream schools, considering opportunities to expand existing specialist provision and making best use of suitable buildings and land, we can support more children and young people to access education closer to home where this is suitable for their needs.

“Each scheme will be carefully considered and assessed, with appropriate feasibility, engagement and the necessary approvals before decisions are made.”

A copy of the full decision is available to view on the council website.