Extra Provision Planned As Isle Of Wight SEND Pupil Numbers Rise

Monday, 12 July 2021 12:42

By Oliver Dyer @olidyer

Plans to increase SEND provision have been unveiled by the Isle of Wight Council, as the number of Island pupils requiring specialist help rises.

As the local authority, the council is required to offer school places to all young people on the Island - including those who have special educational needs and/or a disability.

With the number of Island pupils with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) almost doubling since 2015-16, the council is having to increase provision.

At a cost of £97,468 per year, County Hall is recommending having up to eight children with complex learning difficulties at Brading Primary School.

While, at Newport's Medina College, there would be space for up to 15 students with social and emotional mental health needs. The cost would be £190,364, and funding for both would come from the council's budget and the Dedicated School Grant (DSG).

In order to fulfil its statutory responsibility, three options were explored by the council. One included offering no additional provision, meaning some SEND pupils would have to go to the mainland.

Councillor Debbie Andre, who leads on children's services, education and skills, said:

"We want every child to have the support they need to dream big and achieve highly, no matter what challenges they face.

"With now more than 1,210 children and young people on the Island with an EHCP, we, as a new administration, are committed to ensuring all children have access to the type of education that best meets their needs.

"This new provision will mean more children and young people having their needs met, providing high-quality tailored support within mainstream education settings."

Increasing provision on the Island is recommended as it would "reduce the burden on the public purse, lower carbon emissions and keep children and young people closer to home and educated within their community."

A decision is to be made by the council's Cabinet on Thursday (15).

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Extra Provision Planned As Isle Of Wight SEND Pupil Numbers Rise

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