Plans to expand Special Educational Needs school places

Plans to expand SEND provision across Telford and Wrekin, which could see more than 100 new school places created, have been announced.

As part of the budget proposals for the year ahead, Telford & Wrekin Council is looking to expand provision for children with special educational needs through several new SEND hubs.

While plans are in the early stages, the Council plans to invest £1.7million, which would lead to the creation of new SEND hubs attached to mainstream schools and around 100 new specialist places across the Borough.

This will build on the success of the new hubs, which opened at Millbrook Primary School and Newport Junior School last year.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said:

“Whilst a majority of children with special educational needs are able to attend mainstream school, we know there is a need for growth in our SEND provision.

“By developing these hubs within schools, it allows children to access full time education in a dedicated environment, with the benefit of being part of the wider school community.

“These hubs will be a space where every pupil is seen, supported and empowered, where individual needs are met with understanding and where learners can thrive.

“We’ve had really positive feedback from the hubs that opened last year, and we look forward to working local schools to develop this project further.”

Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “We know the provision of Special Educational Needs places is a major issue for our Residents hence why we have prioritised this investment and will keep doing so. The budget this year is laser focused on tackling the priorities that matter most to people from investing in better public transport, better high streets, expanded schools, better housing and access to better skills and jobs all while maintaining the lowest Council Tax in the West Midlands.”

As well as developing new hubs in the Borough, Telford & Wrekin Council’s proposed Budget for 2026/27 commits £150 million to supporting vulnerable children, people with disabilities and older adults, equal to 70p in every £1 the Council spends to provide care and support for people who need it most.

At the same time as keeping Council Tax the lowest in the Midlands, the Budget will also deliver £437 million in capital investment into the priorities residents value most, including better homes and roads, expanding schools, enhancing bus services, and supporting high streets.