Cabinet approval of £6.2 million investment in schools for SEND provision
Monday, July 13, 2026
Wakefield Council's Cabinet will be asked to accept £6.2m of funding from the Department for Education. And approve a £5.8m programme of investment to improve school provision for pupils who require specialist support.
If approved, schools will be able to apply for funding through Phase Three of the High Needs Provision Capital programme. The money is to improve provision for pupils with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in 2026/27.
“All children in our district need the right opportunities and support to thrive at school.
“This latest investment is another step forward in ensuring that children and young people with SEND in Wakefield can access high-quality education close to home.
“We’re focused on working with both mainstream and specialist schools to create a more inclusive system and to improve outcomes. We need to meet children and young people’s needs earlier and help families stay connected to their local communities.”
Cllr Matthew Caton
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People
The £6.2m funding forms part of a three-year sufficiency programme for which Wakefield Council has secured funding from the Department for Education.
The programme will enhance inclusion mainstream schools. And develop provision for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
At a time when demand for SEND support is rising nationally, and locally, the district is committed to having the right number of high- quality school places for pupils.
The investment will also help more children and young people to receive education closer to home, without needing to travel out of the district.
The programme includes £3.2 million to improve infrastructure in special schools, improving accessibility, safety, and capacity to meet growing demand.
A further £1 million will expand the successful High Needs Capital Grants Scheme, supporting mainstream schools to develop and improve SEND provision. As in previous years, funds can be used in different ways such as creating indoor and outdoor spaces to enhance learning.
In addition, £1.6 million will fund up to five new inclusion bases across primary and secondary schools, creating between 50 and 100 new places for pupils with speech, language, communication, and social, emotional, and mental health needs.
Cabinet members will be asked to approve the funding on Tuesday 21 July at 5.30pm. The meeting can be watched live or later on the Council’s YouTube channel.