HAMPSHIRE County Council has continued its long-term investment in special educational needs and disabilities provision at schools around the county.
The council also has plans underway to deliver 1,000 additional specialist school places between 2025 and 2030.
This includes a mix of new places in both dedicated special schools and Resourced Provisions (RPs), which are specialist environments based within mainstream schools.
Together, these meet a wide range of needs, including autism (AS) and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. The Council’s approach focuses on creating a well-distributed network of RPs across the county, with clear pathways through primary and secondary education.
At his recent Decision Day, Cllr Steve Forster, Executive Member for Education, approved a further six key proposals to support these ongoing expansions.
He said: “We’re proud to be expanding both our special schools and inclusive mainstream provision to support Hampshire’s children and young people with SEND. This investment is about giving every child the opportunity to thrive in a setting that meets their needs.”
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Cllr Forster agreed to launch statutory consultations on five different RPs, expected to open from September 2026, subject to consultation outcomes and final approvals. This includes Harrow Way Community School, in Andover, for 15 pupils aged 11 to 16 with autism.
Another proposal to receive Cllr Forster’s seal of approval was Shepherds Down Special School in Winchester, which caters for children aged four to 11 with learning difficulties. The school is set to benefit from a £2.1 million refurbishment of its Hive building, which will deliver three new classrooms, therapy and sensory rooms, small group and staff spaces, outdoor learning, and play areas. Work is expected to begin in December and be completed by summer 2026. The adjacent College House will also be demolished to improve access and parking.
These projects are the latest in a long line of improvements to expand the County Council’s own SEND provision, with the aim of reducing reliance on expensive placements in the independent sector. Since 2018, more than 750 new specialist places have been created.
A further 350 are in progress and expected to be phased in from September 2026, subject to planning, funding, and statutory approvals. Discussions are also underway for over 600 additional places to be delivered between 2027 and 2030.
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