Somerset County Council is opening six new units for children with SEND this term, as part of a £27 million costing cutting measure over the next eight years.
A further five will open later in the academic year, and another 10 during 2026/27.
Council leaders said that without a restructure of its SEND provision, the county will face a cumulative debt of almost £500 million by 2032/33.
The first units will be set up in some mainstream schools in Bridgwater, Burham, Cheddar, Hatch Beauchamp, Taunton, Crewkerne, and Watchet. The scheme will be rolled out to schools in towns across the country in the next two years.
The aim is to provide classrooms within existing mainstream schools to overcome some of the key barriers currently disrupting the ability of schools to deliver for SEN children, such as small class sizes; spaces designed with sensory awareness; staff trained in neurodiversity, emotional regulation and de-escalation techniques; and an appropriate curriculum.
The local authority wants SEND children to be taught in classes of six to eight pupils, rather than the current average of 30.
“Unprecedented pressures”
Cllr Heather Shearer, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “The goal is to provide classrooms closer to where children live, and a reduction in journey times. As a large rural county, travel to school is a regular feature, but too many children are travelling excessive distances which can impact their wellbeing and family life.
“The Council is facing unprecedented pressures due to the escalating SEND need across the country. A phenomenon which is being seen nationally and internationally. This is placing a strain on all local authorities, who have a responsibility to find a ‘sufficiency of places’. But schools take years to build, and we cannot respond quickly enough. We needed an innovative approach.
“The Council needs to help more children with SEND whilst struggling with finances. Paying for places in independent schools are much more costly for the Council. That’s why we are looking at innovative, pacey solutions to increase the number of High Needs places within mainstream schools.”
“Although the SEN Unit model is not the panacea for everything, the programme will reduce delays, and make sure the funding goes to the right places.
“The programme offers education closer to home, in their communities with their siblings and friends around them.
“Early intervention is key. If we can get to children quickly, we can find a way to ensure they get a good education.”
She added: “Somerset Council, along with other local authorities, is urging the government to fulfil its pledge to increase the number of specialist teachers, provide significant investment in teacher training and a commitment to creating inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive.”
More localised support
The SEND units will expand the number of local specialist places and reduce the pressure on special schools. As of May 2025, Somerset Council had 6,052 children with an EHCP – a 132% rise over past five years. As a result, the county’s special schools are full.
SEND teaching
Children in the SEND units will be taught by qualified teaching staff and receive appropriate support and intervention from trained professionals. They will also access mainstream teaching where appropriate.
Intensive training and support will be offered to the schools opening new provision, with an induction programme and support structures put into place, drawing on expertise from local special schools and specialists.
Staff will share expertise with the non-specialist classrooms of the mainstream school, and other schools in the locality.
