Freedom of information (FOI) disclosure log
Date Sent: August 10, 2026
Conclusion: Partial Release
Description: I would be grateful if you could provide: 1. The number and names of independent or non maintained special schools (day) currently operating within the local authority area, together with their designated need type(s) and current registered capacity and the average costs per pupil per annum covering academic year 2025/26. This should be provided as current spend over the year - it does not need to be qualified spend at year end budget point given that I am requesting average costs. 2. The number and names of independent or non maintained residential special schools currently commissioned by the local authority for its resident children and young people, whether located within or outside the local authority area and the average costs per pupil per annum covering academic year 2025/26. This should be provided as current spend over the year - it does not need to be qualified spend at year end budget point given that I am requesting average costs. 3. Details of any Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS), approved provider framework, or equivalent commissioning route used by the local authority for special school, residential, including how a new provider may apply to join. A link or document can be provided. 4. The name and contact details of the team or individual responsible for SEND sufficiency planning and/or commissioning of specialist placements, to whom a provider may address an expression of interest. 5. A copy of, or direct link to, the local authority's current SEND Sufficiency Plan, Strategy, or equivalent document, including any published gap analysis by need type (e.g. ASD, SEMH, SLCN) and by geographic area within the local authority. 6. Details of any current or planned capital programme, free school proposal, expansion, or new-build project intended to increase special day or special residential school capacity within the local authority area, including expected additional place numbers, need type(s) to be served, and expected opening date. 7. Any published assessment of the local authority's current High Needs Block (Dedicated Schools Grant) position, including whether the authority is subject to a Safety Valve Agreement, Deficit Recovery Plan, or equivalent, and the value of any agreed deficit reduction target. 8. A copy of the send reforms plan as submitted to the DFE in June. This should be the submitted document and appendices.
Attachments: FOI_Response FOI 757.docx