Ellie Ames 09 May 2024

Government announces 16 new special free schools

Government announces 16 new special free schools image
Image: Iryna Inshyna / Shutterstock.com

New schools for 2,000 children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are to open in 16 areas across England.

The schools will be supported by an initial £105m, announced in this year's Spring Budget.

Local authorities applied to have one of the free schools in their areas, but the schools will be run by academy trusts.

Since 2010, 108 schools have been opened as part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) special free schools programme.

Education secretary Gillian Keegan said: ‘I know how hard it can be for families trying to navigate the SEND system, and the creation of more brilliant special schools is just one part of our plan to make sure every family and every child get the right support, in the right place at the right time.’

The Local Government Association welcomed the funding but said it would not solve the worsening financial crisis in SEND, adding that councils did not think special school places were becoming available quickly enough.

The association said: ‘We are keen to work with the DfE to ensure this process can be made to work as quickly and efficiently as possible to ensure the needs of children and young people with SEND can be met.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner