Derby City Council is continuing its expansion and enhancement of educational opportunities for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Derby.

A programme of work is underway to create 400 additional specialist places in the city’s schools over the next two years, with an investment of £20m approved in 2024 via the SEND and Alternative Provision Sufficiency and Capital Investment Programme.

Cabinet members will receive an update on the programme at their meeting on Wednesday 7 January. They are asked to approve works at Ivy House School to create additional places by September 2026. Ivy House is a special school for children of all ages with Severe Learning (SLD) and Profound Multiple Learning Needs (PMLD).

The planned works will ensure the school is fit for purpose and will be able to meet the needs of children taking up places. This will relieve pressure on other special schools in the city, allowing them to accommodate students with more complex needs.

Locally and nationally, the SEND system is experiencing increasing demand and is under significant pressure as the cost of provision outstrips funding provided by the Government.

Providing more places within the city means more children can be closer to family and friends and get the education they need within their own community, without having to travel outside the area. Many young people with additional learning needs can make better, more sustained progress when they are at mainstream schools with their peers and friends, with more going on to employment, education, and training.

The Council’s specialist advisory SEND team works closely with schools to improve the experience of children with SEND in mainstream schools, helping to improving their facilities to better support pupils with additional needs.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education, said:

We are making significant strides in enhancing educational opportunities in Derby for children and young people with SEND, creating a city that’s inclusive and ambitious for all. We want them to have access to the right support close to their families and communities. We’re confident this programme will create positive, long-term outcomes for our young people.

The Cabinet meeting at 2pm on Wednesday 7 January will be streamed live on the Council's YouTube channel.