(UK) Southampton: 864 more SPED places needed by next year; provisions at capacity now
- The end of childhood
- 6 hours ago
- 1 min read
Jan 19, 2026, Daily Echo: Southampton needs 800 additional specialist education placed needed
An additional 864 specialist education places will be needed in Southampton by next year, according to council projections.
The demand comes at a time when the city’s special schools and existing resourced provisions in mainstream settings are at capacity, and many youngsters are being home schooled or are not in any form education, employment or training. . . .
Forecasts suggest the number of children and young people in Southampton with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) could approach 5,000 by the end of the 2030. . . .
The number of active EHCPs in Southampton has been growing rapidly in recent years from 2,184 three years ago to 2,934 at the end of last month.
Mr Beck’s report said the latest total represented a 7.1 per cent year-on-year increase. . . .
Mr Beck’s report said the continued growth underscores the need for sustained investment in both specialist and mainstream-based SEND provision. . . .
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