A major programme to increase local education provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has been approved by Somerset Council. The decision, made at a meeting on 7 October, will see an investment of approximately £8.9 million in new and improved specialist spaces across Somerset.
This initiative aims to provide more children with the right support in their local area, thereby reducing long journeys to school and lessening the reliance on costly independent placements outside the county. The programme will create 104 new places in specialist inclusion bases within 11 mainstream schools, up to 24 additional places at The Mendip School, accessibility improvements, 42 inclusion support bases, and new alternative provision in areas with current gaps.
“"At the heart of this is something very simple: making sure that children and young people with SEND can access the right provision, in the right place, at the right time."
Cllr Evie Potts-Jones, Lead Member for SEND, Public Health and Equalities & Diversity, stated that the goal is not just to increase the number of places but to develop a more inclusive and sustainable education system. She emphasised that these places must be well-designed, appropriately staffed, and focused on outcomes, wellbeing, belonging, attendance, and participation.
Cllr Potts-Jones also highlighted that capital investment is only one component of the necessary work to improve SEND provision. She noted that buildings and places alone will not achieve the desired change and that this investment must complement the council's broader focus on inclusion, early intervention, sufficiency, and ultimately, better outcomes for young people.
The largest portion of the investment, £3.84 million, is allocated for developing specialist inclusion bases in the following schools, pending feasibility checks and consultations: Avishayes Community Primary School in Chard, Blackbrook Primary School in Taunton, Court Fields School in Wellington, Fairlands Middle School in Cheddar, Herne View Church of England Primary School in Ilminster, Maiden Beech Academy in Crewkerne, St Benedict’s Church of England VA Junior School in Glastonbury, St John’s Church of England VC Infants School in Glastonbury, West Monkton Church of England School, Whitstone School in Shepton Mallet, and Woolavington Village Primary School.
Specialist inclusion bases are defined as small, dedicated provisions within mainstream schools, offering tailored teaching, specialist staff, and adapted spaces while enabling pupils to remain part of the wider school community.
An additional £2.616 million is designated for exploring the expansion of The Mendip School by up to 24 places, with a potential future satellite provision in Frome. Furthermore, £340,000 will fund practical adaptations such as ramps, lifts, and specialist facilities to ensure pupils with disabilities or medical needs can attend their local schools.
An investment of £1.68 million is earmarked for the creation of 42 inclusion support bases between 2027 and 2030. These bases will offer early, targeted help for pupils struggling with education who may not require an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). An additional £400,000 is set aside for alternative provision in Frome and West Somerset.
This programme extends Somerset’s existing three-year plan, with the overall target now set at 344 places in specialist inclusion bases and 88 places through special school expansion or satellite provision. Following the Executive's approval, detailed feasibility work will determine the design, cost, and deliverability of each project before final investment decisions are made.
