Somerset County Council is proposing to expand special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision across four schools to better serve children requiring specialist support. This move aims to address ongoing challenges faced by local SEND education services, including rising demand and limited capacity at existing specialist schools.
Typically, children with SEND receive education either in dedicated specialist schools or within mainstream schools, depending on their education, health and care plans (EHCPs). However, increasing numbers of SEND pupils and full specialist school capacities have resulted in higher transport costs as children are sent to schools outside the immediate area. Delays in EHCP reviews have also prompted parental complaints filed with the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Responding to these issues, in March 2025 the council committed to creating 15 new SEND pupil units within mainstream schools. The current consultation focuses on four key locations earmarked for development:
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Polden Bower School, Bridgwater: Four new classrooms will add 32 SEND places, raising total capacity to 248. Construction is expected to take around a year.
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Somerset Bridge Primary School, Bridgwater: Satellite provision will add 16 places from as early as September.
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Holway Park Community Primary School, Taunton: Expansion of the existing SEND unit will increase specialist places from 40 to 50. These additional SEND places will offset a decline in mainstream enrolment, keeping overall school capacity stable.
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Hindhayes Infant School, Street: A new SEND unit will open in September, providing intensive support for 6–8 pupils with EHCPs.
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Oaklands Primary School, Yeovil: The Oaklands Centre will be expanded by September 2027, increasing places from 14 to 32.
The council encourages pupils, parents, carers, staff, and local residents to participate in the public consultation launched on the proposals. Feedback is essential to understand community benefits, concerns, and the local impact of the planned expansions.
Funding for these developments comes from a £9.3 million allocation by the Department for Education for 2026/27, designated specifically for high needs capital provision.
To share your views or learn more about the consultation process, visit www.somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com by July 10.