UK To Create Up to 60,000 Extra Places in English State Schools for Children with Special Needs Disablities
In an effort to address the growing number of children facing social and mental health issues, the UK government has announced a £3 billion investment to create up to 60,000 special educational needs and disability (SEND) places within mainstream state schools. The initiative, which is part of the government's broader education reform plans, aims to provide more inclusive learning environments for thousands of children.
The plan, unveiled by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, will see a significant increase in specialist provision within local schools, enabling children with SEND to attend their local school alongside their peers rather than having to travel long distances to find suitable provision. The new places will be funded partly by the suspension of free school projects worth £600 million.
The government's decision comes as the number of appeals by parents over their children's special needs provision continues to soar. In 2024-25, a record 25,002 SEND appeals were heard by tribunals, an 18% increase on the previous year. The Ministry of Justice has reported that the backlog of unresolved cases remains significant, with 15,000 open cases recorded in September.
The Education Department's plans have been welcomed by some charities and advocacy groups, who argue that the current system is "systemic failure" that requires urgent reform. One chief executive described the figures as exposing "the scale of unlawful decision-making in local authorities," highlighting the need for more inclusive education systems.
While the new funding will be used to create specialist places within mainstream schools, some concerns have been raised about the impact on other free school projects. Two sixth forms planned by a group of free schools had their plans cancelled, but 15 others would continue as planned, with local authorities given the option to complete the remaining projects or receive equivalent funding.
The government's announcement has been seen as an important step towards creating more inclusive education systems in England, but critics argue that it falls short of addressing the root causes of the SEND provision issues. With a significant increase in specialist places on offer, many are hoping that this move will help to alleviate the pressure on families and provide children with better access to the support they need.
In an effort to address the growing number of children facing social and mental health issues, the UK government has announced a £3 billion investment to create up to 60,000 special educational needs and disability (SEND) places within mainstream state schools. The initiative, which is part of the government's broader education reform plans, aims to provide more inclusive learning environments for thousands of children.
The plan, unveiled by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, will see a significant increase in specialist provision within local schools, enabling children with SEND to attend their local school alongside their peers rather than having to travel long distances to find suitable provision. The new places will be funded partly by the suspension of free school projects worth £600 million.
The government's decision comes as the number of appeals by parents over their children's special needs provision continues to soar. In 2024-25, a record 25,002 SEND appeals were heard by tribunals, an 18% increase on the previous year. The Ministry of Justice has reported that the backlog of unresolved cases remains significant, with 15,000 open cases recorded in September.
The Education Department's plans have been welcomed by some charities and advocacy groups, who argue that the current system is "systemic failure" that requires urgent reform. One chief executive described the figures as exposing "the scale of unlawful decision-making in local authorities," highlighting the need for more inclusive education systems.
While the new funding will be used to create specialist places within mainstream schools, some concerns have been raised about the impact on other free school projects. Two sixth forms planned by a group of free schools had their plans cancelled, but 15 others would continue as planned, with local authorities given the option to complete the remaining projects or receive equivalent funding.
The government's announcement has been seen as an important step towards creating more inclusive education systems in England, but critics argue that it falls short of addressing the root causes of the SEND provision issues. With a significant increase in specialist places on offer, many are hoping that this move will help to alleviate the pressure on families and provide children with better access to the support they need.
but can we talk about how the funding suspension is gonna affect other schools? like what's the plan for the £600m that's being 'suspended'? it feels like they're just moving funds around rather than actually tackling the root of the problem. and what about the 15k open cases at the Ministry of Justice? aren't those kids still waiting for support?! we need to make sure this new initiative is more than just a Band-Aid solution, you know? 
. I can only imagine how heartbreaking it must be for these little ones who have been struggling to get the help they deserve. It's so wonderful that the UK government is investing £3 billion into creating more inclusive learning environments 
. I'm really hoping this will make a huge difference in their lives and give them the chance to thrive alongside their peers 
. Fingers crossed it'll also help reduce those overwhelming 25k+ appeals last year 
. Can't wait to see these changes roll out and watch these kids shine 
.
. It's about time we prioritize their education and well-being over anything else. I'm sure it won't be easy, but I'm optimistic that this move will help alleviate the pressure on families and give children the support they deserve 
. And to all the parents who have been fighting for their kids' rights, thank you for holding those in power accountable 
.
. And another thing, £3 billion is a drop in the ocean compared to what's being spent on other stuff...
60k extra places for kids with special needs? Finally some action on this 
issue! Can't believe it took all these appeals to get them to listen 
I've been reading about the struggles of parents whose kids have special needs for ages, and it's just heartbreaking. The fact that there were only 60k places available before this was just not enough 
. But hearing that the UK is investing £3 billion to create more special educational needs and disability places in mainstream state schools gives me hope 
. I just wish they'd also thought about providing more funding for families like mine who need extra support outside of the classroom 
. I do hope that these new specialist places will start popping up soon, so families don't have to go through the stressful and expensive process of appealing for their child's needs to be met.
.
.
! 60k extra places is a huge step in the right direction 
. But, like, what's the plan for actually making these schools inclusive? 
. We need to rethink how our education system works, you know? Like, what about staff training? What about resources? It's not just about throwing money at a problem 
. I mean, yes, it's great that they're investing £3 billion or whatever, but where's the accountability? Who's gonna make sure this money is actually being used effectively? 
.