Cabinet to discuss transforming SEND and Alternative Provision in Barnsley with £9.4 million investment

Next week, Cabinet will be looking to approve a proposal to deliver a significant boost to local Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) services after a recommendation to accept £9.4 million of capital funding from the Department for Education.

The investment made up of £4.7 million for SEND specialist places and £4.7 million for AP places will enable the us to develop multiple new local schemes from 2026, creating much‑needed specialist places across Barnsley. This will ensure more children are educated closer to home in environments that support inclusion, wellbeing and long-term outcomes.

The decision follows a national review of Free Schools programme, during which Barnsley was offered the option to either continue with two previously approved Department for Education‑led Free Schools or to use the capital funding to deliver our own locally designed provision. A detailed options appraisal found that the Free Schools, which would not open until around 2029-30, would not sufficiently address the borough’s urgent sufficiency pressures.

By choosing a locally led model, we will be able to:

• Introduce new specialist capacity from 2026 onwards.
• Offer high‑quality SEND and AP provision within local communities.
• Reduce transport pressures and out‑of‑borough placement costs.
• Strengthen Barnsley’s inclusive education system.
• Work collaboratively with families, schools, trusts, and partners to design provision that reflects local needs and ambitions.

This transformation supports aligns with our Great Childhoods Ambition programme, ensuring children and young people with additional needs can thrive and have the best start in life within their communities.

Councillor Ashley Peace, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services, said:

This investment represents a real step forward for children, young people and families in Barnsley.

By designing and delivering our own local SEND and AP provision, we can respond far more quickly and flexibly to the needs in our communities. Most importantly, it means more children will be able to learn closer to home, stay connected to their friends and families, and receive the right support at the right time.

This decision puts inclusion at the heart of our borough, and it reflects our absolute commitment to giving every child in Barnsley the chance to thrive.

The £9.4 million will be combined with currently unallocated SEND capital, expanding the High Needs Capital Programme to approximately £19 million.

If approved at the Cabinet next week, officers will begin work on a comprehensive delivery plan, with detailed proposals to be brought back to Cabinet for further approval.