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Council set to approve next phase of multi-million-pound investment in SEND provision

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Wakefield Council is moving ahead with the next phase of a major plan to improve education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
 
The funding is part of a wider plan to meet rising demand for SEND places across the district. It follows a sharp increase in the number of children needing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), with Wakefield now above the national average.
 
The investment will be used to develop more specialist units in mainstream schools, support early language development, and increase capacity in alternative provision. It is part of Wakefield Council’s SEND Sufficiency Programme, which aims to provide the right support in the right place at the right time.

“Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow and thrive in their local community. This investment will help us support more children with special educational needs by creating the right environments for learning, closer to home. It’s not just about new buildings – it’s about working with schools to build inclusive places where every child can succeed and be part of a stronger, more supportive community.”

Cllr Margaret Isherwood

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People

Cllr Margaret Isherwood

The plans include:

  • Up to 60 new SEND places in specialist units within mainstream schools
  • Mainstream pilot of Early Language Hubs to support children with speech and communication needs
  • A £1 million grant programme to improve mainstream SEND facilities in schools across Wakefield
  • Up to 38 new places in alternative provision for pupils needing more support
  • Improvements to existing community spaces and specialist school settings

This builds on earlier work, which focused on helping mainstream schools meet a wider range of needs. This second phase takes a broader view, creating new places across different types of schools to match the needs of local children and families.
 
Wakefield Council’s Cabinet is expected to approve the delivery plan and accept the Government grant. The Council will continue to work closely with schools, trusts and families to shape and deliver each scheme. 

The Council’s Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 22 July at 10.30am. The meeting can be watched live or later at Wakefield Council - Cabinet meetings - YouTube.

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