Special needs provision to be expanded

There are plans to open more than 200 places between 2025 and 2027

Provision for children in North East Lincolnshire with special educational needs and disabilities will be expanded, the council has said.

The authority is working closely with education and health partners to create more than 200 additional places between 2025 and 2027.

The council said it wanted to make special education provision more available so children do not have to travel outside the borough.

Plans include a new 150-place specialist education centre for children who have difficulties with their social, emotional and mental health.

There will also be an extra 12 spaces available at Cambridge Park Special School, specifically for children who have autism or a learning disability.

After the success of the Launchpad scheme in 2023, which offers primary school places for children with communication and interaction needs, an additional 50 places will open over the next two years.

Councillor Margaret Cracknell said: “Our vision is to create a new education provision for children who have difficulties with a range of special educational needs, where they can receive proper support and access a good quality education while remaining in their home town."

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