(UK) Herts: "Plans to create at least 650 new SEND-unit places in mainstream schools"
Plans for a special educational needs and disabilities unit in Baldock are now out for consultation.
The unit is planned to open at St Mary's Infants' School in September next year.
Hertfordshire County Council is proposing a 12-place specialist base for pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), cognition and learning needs and additional needs.
It would offer specialist teaching and targeted support while allowing pupils to join mainstream lessons and school activities where appropriate.
The council says it wants mainstream schools to be more inclusive while providing specialist support for children with higher needs.
It says the number of primary-aged pupils needing specialist support for cognition, learning and additional needs is growing, and plans to create at least 650 new SEND-unit places in mainstream schools across Hertfordshire.
The units would give pupils a smaller setting, specialist staff and access to mainstream lessons and social activities.
The 12 pupils would be on St Mary's Infants' School roll, and the unit would be covered by Ofsted inspections. . . .
The council’s four-week consultation on the proposal ends on October 8.
Respond via the council’s website at hertfordshire.gov.uk, under consultations, or email education.planning@hertfordshire.gov.uk.
In July 2025, more than 14,400 children and young people in Hertfordshire had an EHCP — a 223 per cent increase since 2015.
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