Have your say on the future of SEND
- May 12
- 1 min read
Gloucestershire County Council wants to hear your views on the future of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision for children and young people.
The county council launched a consultation today (Tuesday 5 May) on the new SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026–2031, which sets out how it plans to make sure there are enough high-quality specialist places in the county. Residents can share their views on the council’s plans, which will be used to develop and strengthen SEND support in Gloucestershire.
The strategy includes the expansion of specialist places and mainstream SEND provision, as well as improving early years and post-16 options.
More children and young people than ever before need specialist support, and the county council is continuing to increase the number of local special school places so children can learn closer to home.
Since 2019 the council has created 510 more places by opening new special schools, such as Brook Academy in Gloucester and Sladewood Academy in Stroud, as well expanding places at existing special schools.
The council has also committed to delivering an additional 400 places by 2028, supported by a £39.5 million investment.
Despite this significant increase in places, demand is still rising, and the council wants to work with families and professionals to help prioritise the next steps.
