(UK) Warrington: "Rising complexity of pupil need"; 1,000+ EHCPs in 9 yrs

July 17, 2025, Warrington Council: Council to expand SEND provision to meet growing demand

The council is expanding its Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) provision, following an annual assessment to review school capacity and pupil needs.

Currently, there are over 6,700 young people with SEND in Warrington. The number of children in Warrington requiring an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan has also risen from 1,203 in 2016 to 2,309 in 2025, in line with the national trend. 

At the same time, local schools are experiencing increased pressure due to both population growth and the rising complexity of pupil need. 

To meet this demand, the council is investing in new designated provisions within mainstream schools. These are specialist classes with dedicated support and facilities to enable children with SEND to access the curriculum and participate fully in school life.

The latest schools to be awarded designated provision are:

St Vincent's Catholic Primary School - KS2 communication and interaction designated provision (starting September 2025)

Statham Primary School - KS1 Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)/ASD designated provision (starting September 2025), with a plan to extend to include KS2 (in September 2025)

The council will also be continuing its work to improve accessibility for SEND pupils across Warrington schools as part of the government’s ‘Plan for Change’, which aims to reduce barriers to opportunity in mainstream schools. 

Further commissioning process are scheduled for later this year, to agree a secondary aged Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) provision and a further early years assessment provision.

This follows on from the council’s recent work to increase school places at two SEND schools, as well as opening a new education and adult social care facility at the Peace Centre building, currently home to the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation.

By increasing local capacity, the council also reduces the need for costly placements outside of Warrington, which can exceed £100,000 [$134K] per pupil annually.

Cllr Matt Smith, cabinet member for children’s, families and education, said: "We are committed to ensuring every child in Warrington has access to high-quality education and support they need. 

“These new provisions mean more children can be educated closer to home, helping them stay connected to their communities and reducing travel time. They will make a real difference to families and support our ongoing work to make Warrington’s schools more accessible and inclusive for children and young people with SEND.”