Somerset Council has announced plans to open new special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) units in four of its schools by January 2026. This initiative aims to better support children with SEND by increasing local access to specialist education within mainstream settings.
Currently, children with SEND in Somerset are educated either at dedicated specialist schools or within mainstream schools guided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs). However, rising numbers of pupils requiring EHCPs and full capacities at specialist schools have placed significant pressure on the system. This has led to increased transportation costs as some children have to travel greater distances to specialist facilities, along with delays in timely EHCP reviews, which have resulted in complaints to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
In response, the council resolved in March to create 15 new SEND pupil units within existing mainstream schools, enhancing local educational inclusion. The first four units are expected to open by January 2026, with additional units to follow.
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Initial rollout includes units at Wadham School in Crewkerne, Dulverton Junior School, Knights Templar Community Church School in Watchet, and an expansion of the autism centre at Holway Park Community Primary School in Taunton. The new units at Wadham, Dulverton, and Knights Templar will each serve between six and eight pupils based on individual needs. Holway Park’s autism centre will expand by 12 places, increasing its capacity to 40 pupils requiring specialist support beyond mainstream classroom capabilities.
Lewis Andrews, Somerset Council’s SEND sufficiency manager, highlighted positive consultation results, noting minimal objections and strong support from parents, staff, and local residents, particularly for the unit at Wadham School where 87% of respondents approved the proposal.
Preliminary feasibility studies are ongoing for another 12 schools across Somerset, including sites in Bruton, Cheddar, Frome, Ilminster, Minehead, Wellington, Wincanton, and Yeovil, signaling further expansion in SEND provisions.
Funding for these initiatives comes through the Department for Education’s high needs provision capital allocation, with Somerset receiving approximately £8.4 million for the 2025/26 financial year to support building and expanding specialist SEND facilities.
The introduction of these new units represents a significant step forward in providing inclusive education and meeting the growing needs of children with SEND in Somerset.