Extra SEND places could be created

An extra 143 school places could soon be created for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Tameside.

The latest meeting of town hall bosses saw approval for a consultation to create 12 additional specialist centres in mainstream schools across the borough.

Council leader Eleanor Wills, told her cabinet this move could see less children traveling far away from home to get a proper education.

“This is an investment in futureproofing provision for our children in mainstream sites,” Coun Wills told the meeting in the Tameside One building.
“Our parents won’t have to see their children travel significant distances for school hopefully – it’s life changing.

“As a parent of school-aged children I know we want the best outcomes and futures for them.”

The overreliance on out-of-borough independent schools is costing the local authority millions every year, council papers suggest. They estimate that with more and more children needing support plans, costs for new placements could rise to an eyewatering £111m by 2032.

These changes will take place over two phases, with the first beginning in September 2025 for the first 12 schools and a second phase for a similar number of schools being planned for September 2026.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting on March 26, Tameside Council’s executive member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, Coun Leanne Feeley said: “The proposal which has been agreed to consult on the development of 12 additional specialist centres across the borough is really positive news and will help meet the increased need for school places for children with EHCPs. 

“Creating 143 places in mainstream schools will ensure access to high-quality education within an inclusive environment and as close to home as possible.

“These proposals will reduce the need for families to travel by providing the dedicated support children and young people need in their communities.”