MORE THAN £8.4million is being invested in SEND provision for Worcestershire, as part of a £860million national package, aimed at creating more specialist places and expanding inclusive provision in mainstream schools.
Under the plans, councils will be required to prioritise expanding provision in mainstream schools, including the creation of Inclusion Bases – specialist settings within schools that allow pupils to move between targeted support and mainstream classes, building confidence and a sense of belonging.
The funding will support Worcestershire County Council to create new places in Inclusion Bases, improve school accessibility and, where needed, expand specialist provision – helping more children access the right support earlier and closer to home.
Councils must also sign a formal agreement committing to improve the availability and suitability of places, enhance accessibility and provide clear, evidence-based justification where additional special school places are required.
Redditch MP Chris Bloore has welcomed the funding, but said it must be matched by strong local accountability to deliver for families.
He said: “From my conversations with families in Redditch, I know how hard many parents have had to fight to get the right support for their child and that is simply not good enough.
“Families want their children to get the support they need, closer to home, without long journeys and without a battle.”
Following the announcement, Mr Bloore has written to Worcestershire County Council seeking assurances the funding would be used to expand Inclusion Bases in local mainstream schools, improve accessibility and ensure sufficient specialist provision to meet local need.
