Demand for special needs support and pressure on assessing children and finding them the right education places is increasing in Calderdale, councillors heard.
At full council, council Cabinet member for Children and Young People’s Services, Coun Adam Wilkinson (Lab, Sowerby Bridge) reported there was significant increase in demand and pressure on places, with an expression of interest submitted to the Department for Education for a special free school.
Other moves included funding adding some additional officers and the council was looking to develop special school hubs and “nurture” places in primary settings.
Sue Williams, Assistant Director for Education and Inclusion, said a Government green paper was the basis of a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) consultation held in July, highlighting challenges faced nationally.
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