Somerset Council has announced that new special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) units will be established at four schools across the county by January 2026. This initiative aims to increase local support for children with SEND, addressing current capacity challenges and improving access to tailored education.
Traditionally, children with SEND are educated either in dedicated specialist schools or integrated into mainstream schools guided by education, health, and care plans (EHCPs). However, Somerset has faced increasing pressure as specialist school places run at full capacity alongside a growing number of children requiring EHCPs.
These pressures have led not only to higher transportation costs, as some pupils must travel considerable distances to specialist settings, but also to delays and complaints regarding timely EHCP reviews, as highlighted by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO).
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In response, the council announced plans in March to create 15 new SEND units within existing mainstream schools. This approach allows more children to receive appropriate support without leaving their local communities.
The first four SEND units will open by January 2026, with locations confirmed at Wadham School in Crewkerne, Dulverton Junior School in Dulverton, Knights Templar Community Church School in Watchet, and Holway Park Community Primary School in Taunton. While the first three schools will establish brand-new SEND units accommodating six to eight pupils each, Holway Park’s existing autism centre will be expanded to add 12 more places, raising its capacity to 40 pupils.
Council SEND sufficiency manager Lewis Andrews noted that consultations regarding the new units received minimal objections, indicating community support. For example, Wadham School’s consultation garnered 47 responses, with 87% backing the creation of its SEND unit.
Further feasibility studies are underway for 12 additional schools across Somerset, including sites in Bruton, Cheddar, Frome, Ilminster, Minehead, Wellington, Wincanton, and Yeovil. These studies will help identify the best locations for forthcoming units to meet local needs effectively.
The expansion program is funded by the Department for Education’s high needs provision capital allocation, with Somerset Council receiving approximately £8.4 million for the 2025/26 financial year to support these developments.
This strategic investment aims to enhance SEND education in Somerset, ensuring more children can access specialist support close to home while alleviating pressure on existing specialist schools and reducing associated transportation burdens.