SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026-31
Help Shape the Future of SEND Provision in Gloucestershire
More children and young people need specialist support than ever before. Demand for SEND places has risen significantly over the last decade, including in early years, mainstream schools and special schools.
To make sure we can meet these needs now and in the future, we’ve developed a new SEND Sufficiency Strategy for 2026–2031. The strategy sets out how we plan to ensure there are enough of the right types of provision, in the right places, at the right time.
Your views matter
We’ve launched a public consultation on the strategy, and we want your views to help shape how specialist educational provision in Gloucestershire will look in the years ahead.
What is in the SEND Sufficiency Strategy?
The strategy explains how Gloucestershire County Council plans to:
-
Respond to rising demand for specialist support
-
Strengthen inclusion in mainstream early years and school settings
-
Increase specialist and alternative provision where it’s most needed
-
Improve access to support closer to home, reducing long journeys for children and families
-
Ensure provision meets a wide range of needs
-
Plan for future growth across all age groups from 0–25
The strategy describes the county’s current picture, the challenges we face, and the steps we will take to expand, develop and commission provision across early years, mainstream schools, special schools and post‑16 pathways.
The strategy reflects national SEND reforms and Gloucestershire’s commitment that every child and young person with SEND can thrive, exceed expectations and live remarkable lives.
Why we need your views
As we develop the SEND Sufficiency Strategy for 2026–2031, we want to gather insights from those who have the most experience of the SEND system. Your experiences can help us check whether the aims and actions feel clear, fair and focused on the right things.
Your feedback will directly inform the final strategy and help improve future SEND provision, supporting better outcomes for children and young people.
The consultation is open to everyone, and we especially want to hear from:
-
families of children and young people with SEND
-
young people with SEND
-
staff in educational settings across the 0–25 age range
-
wider education, health and care professionals and community partners
How to take part
Read the strategy and share your views by completing our quick online survey. The consultation is open from 9am on Tuesday 5 May to 5pm on Tuesday 23 June 2026.
The consultation page includes a copy of the SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026–2031, an 'easy-read' version of the strategy, easy‑to‑understand consultation questions, and space to share your feedback.
Alternative formats, such as paper copies, audio tape or translated versions are available on request.
What happens next
All feedback will be reviewed and used to develop the final SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026–2031.
We will publish a consultation summary explaining what we heard and how it has shaped the final strategy.