£50m for improved SEND support in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire County Council is investing £50 million in the county’s special schools to transform Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support for local children and young people.

The measures which will bring major improvements at both special schools and mainstream schools over the next five years. As part of the investment, the council will provide £50 million for special schools to ensure they have the right facilities to meet all types of need, as well as the building of a new school in Lincoln and expansion of several others.

The funding will also help develop special school satellites on some mainstream sites and reduce journeys by ensuring all special schools can cater for all types of need and disability so pupils can go to their nearest one. The council has also pledged increased school places to meet growing demand and stop pupils having to travel outside the county.

Patricia Bradwell, executive councillor for Children’s Services, said: “This exciting development will ensure children can attend their local school rather than having to travel huge distances for their education. We want to ensure all children can access high-quality education and achieve their potential, as near their family and local community as possible.

“These are significant changes, reducing long travel times for students, enhancing provision and increasing school places. We’re committing significant investment in working with schools, parents and families to achieve this.”

Coralie Cross, chair of the Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum, added: “Together with the council, we’re working with special schools to improve provision. We want to ensure they can meet the needs of all pupils, whatever their disabilities, and to increase support in mainstream schools.”