Cabinet to discuss investing in additional SEND provision for children in Barnsley

Next week, Cabinet members will be looking to approve funding for up to 45 new primary school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), focusing on those with autism and communication or interaction needs. This would ensure more children can access education and the support they need in the borough, leading to less travel and improved outcomes.

If approved, this initiative would address the increasing number of children in Barnsley requiring Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), which has risen by over 10% in the past year alone, mirroring national trends. Currently, Barnsley maintains over 3,000 EHCPs, and the number is expected to continue rising.

By expanding local provision, we aim to reduce the costs which come with the use of independent and non-maintained specialist schools out of borough and create a more sustainable SEND system in Barnsley. Most importantly, we want to enable more Barnsley children to receive their education locally.

The plan outlines that the new provision would be delivered through a strategic partnership with a local academy trust, establishing a dedicated satellite site at the Mill Primary School, sharing the site with the existing mainstream primary school.

This development is expected to deliver annual financial efficiencies of over £2 million from 2027-28, helping to manage the borough’s Dedicated Schools Grant more effectively.

Councillor Ashley Peace, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services, said: “This is a significant and much needed investment to ensure that more children can access the specialist support they need closer to home.

“If approved, this will not only help us reduce our reliance on expensive out-of-borough placements, but it will also deliver better value for money. Most importantly, it will give children and young people the opportunity to achieve their full potential in a setting that truly understands and meets their needs.”

The project is part of Barnsley’s wider SEND Sufficiency Strategy and aligns with national reforms, including the forthcoming Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which encourages local authorities to develop local solutions for SEND provision.

We will begin a statutory consultation process with families, schools and stakeholders to shape the new provision and ensure it meets the needs of the community.

If agreed at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 15 October, the new SEND places are scheduled to be available from September 2026, following a phased programme of site development, partner selection and community engagement.