(UK) Somerset: SPED services to expand at four schools
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Special needs provision could be expanded at four Somerset schools under new proposals put forward by the county council.
Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are usually educated in one of two contexts: either at specialist schools constructed by the council, or within mainstream schools in line with agreed education, health and care plans (EHCPs).
Somerset Council has faced numerous challenges on this front in recent years, with existing specialist schools operating at full capacity and the number of young people with EHCPs rising. . . .
To address these problems, the council decided in March 2025 that 15 new SEND pupil units will be created within existing schools, allowing more SEND children to have a normal education.
The council has now launched consultations on proposals to expand SEND provision at four key sites across the county, including new specialist units, additional classrooms and other measures designed to provide new places.
At Polden Bower School, located on Bower Lane in Bridgwater, the council intends to construct four new classrooms to provide 32 extra places on site, including its total capacity to 248 pupils.
An additional 16 places will also be created through "satellite provision" at Somerset Bridge Primary School on Stockmoor Drove, at the southern end of the town.
Provision at this later site could begin as early as September, while the Polden Bower expansion could take a year to implement.
At Holway Park Community Primary School, located on Shakespeare Avenue in Taunton, the existing SEND unit will be expanded from September, increasing the number of specialist places available on site from 40 to 50.
These additional SEND pupils will "replace some of the reduction in numbers of mainstream pupils on roll due to the falling birth rate", meaning the overall capacity of the school will not change.
At Hindhayes Infant School, on Leigh Road in Street, a new SEND unit will open in September to provide intensive support for between six and eight pupils with EHCPs.
Oaklands Primary School on Parfields in Yeovil will see its existing Oaklands Centre expanded by September 2027, increasing the number of available places from 14 to 32.
To take part in the public consultations regarding each of the four sites, visit www.somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com by July 10.
A spokesperson said: "Your feedback will help us understand the benefits, concerns, and local impact of these plans.
