New strategy to create more SEND places and support closer to home
The new SEND Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2031 sets out how the council will plan and expand special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision over the next five years for children and young people aged 0 to 25. It focuses on making sure enough specialist places are available across Gloucestershire, while also strengthening support in mainstream schools, post-16 and early years settings.
The number of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in Gloucestershire has increased significantly in recent years, with demand expected to continue to rise. As of January 2026, there were 7,521 children and young people with an EHCP in Gloucestershire, compared with 4,854 in 2022.
The strategy aims to ensure there are enough specialist places across the county so children and young people can access the support they need as close to home as possible. This will help more families access local provision, reduce the need for long journeys, and support children to remain connected to their communities, friends and local services.
Over the next five years, the council will continue to expand specialist provision where it is needed, while also developing more specialist bases within mainstream primary and secondary schools. These specialist bases provide additional support for children and young people within mainstream schools and help bridge the gap between mainstream and specialist education.
The strategy also highlights the council’s existing plans for two new special schools in Gloucester and Cheltenham, creating up to 400 additional places by 2028. Alongside this, Gloucestershire will continue to develop early years SEND provision and improve local post-16 education, training and employment opportunities for young people with SEND.
Cllr Linda Cohen, cabinet member for education and skills, said: "We want children and young people with SEND to be able to access the right education and support as close to home as possible.
“This strategy will help us plan ahead, understand where more places are needed and make better-informed decisions about future provision. For families, this should mean more opportunities to access suitable education within their local community and, where possible, reduced need for children to travel long distances.”
The SEND Sufficiency Strategy will guide future planning and investment in SEND provision across Gloucestershire, helping ensure the county has the right mix of specialist and inclusive education provision to meet the needs of children and young people over the coming years.