Council to review SEND pupil capacity in Swindon

The council was urged to take decisive action to address gaps in special needs provision in schools

A review into provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is taking place after demand has more than doubled in a decade.

The number of pupils in Swindon with EHCPs (Education Health and Care Plans) has risen from about 900 in 2013 to about 2,500 in 2023.

Swindon Borough Council plans to work with schools and other stakeholders to review overall capacity.

Councillor Jake Chandler said: "In light of these pressing concerns, this council must take decisive action to address the gaps in special needs provision within our schools."

Rising demand for spaces

Conservative councillor Mr Chandler put forward a motion for the review, which received cross-party support.

It reads: “There is unmet demand for children with SEN (special education needs) and EHCPs (Education Health and Care Plans) in Swindon schools."

Labour councillor Adorabelle Shaikh, who seconded the motion, said: "We have seen spaces grow in the last 14 months and a joint approach working with policy committee and the planning and education teams to work out where the needs and demands are.”

The council's adults and children's overview and scrutiny committee will now be tasked with taking on the review.