(UK) Hertfordshire: 37% increase in SPED in 3 yrs; "broader/more complex level of need"

June 2, 2022, Bishops Stortford Independent: County council plans new support for children in Bishop's Stortford with special educational needs and disabilities https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/news/new-support-for-schoolchildren-with-special-needs-9255715/

North of London Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) has reinforced its commitment to ensuring that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) get the specialist support they need.

In the last three years there has been a 37% increase in pupils with education, health and care (EHC) plans – a legally-binding document that outlines special educational, health and social care needs.

On Monday May 23 County Hall's cabinet agreed to consult on proposals to create nine primary specialist resource provisions (SRPs) across Hertfordshire, including one in Bishop's Stortford – but not for another 15 months.

If approved, six SRPs are expected to open from September 2023 and two more in 2024, with a ninth site still to be identified….

Councillors heard that many children and young people are currently provided for by a pattern of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) bases attached to mainstream schools.

But with many now having a broader and more complex level of need, including autism and social communication difficulties, creating SRPs at mainstream schools will enable these pupils to access a mainstream curriculum….

Cllr Terry Douris is Herts County Council's cabinet member for education and lifelong learning