(UK) Redbridge: 49 special student places in mainstream schools; 140 more planned

Nov 18, 2021, Ilford Recorder: Children with high-functioning autism to attend mainstream schools https://www.ilfordrecorder.co.uk/news/education/funding-for-autism-school-places-approved-8499220

London

Funding has been approved to help children with high-functioning autism to attend mainstream secondary school. Redbridge Council has agreed to pay for 28 places for autistic children at Caterham High School, as well as converting an outbuilding into a “dedicated specialist base”. Cabinet members also agreed to create 21 new places at Newbridge School, which serves children with more complex learning difficulties, by adding a three-classroom “modular” extension. The four additional places a year at Caterham High School will help meet a “substantial growth in demand” for special needs education in the borough, according to a report prepared for the meeting. The council also hopes to save money it would otherwise have spent sending children to private or specialist schools. Such places cost an average of £50,000 [$67K] a year, whereas places at Caterham High School will cost just over £20,000 [$27K] annually. A review of special educational needs in the borough recommended the council aims to create 140 new places for pupils with special educational needs by 2023.