New schools to open amid SEND hikes

COUNCIL SAYS DEMAND IS RISING

- ALEXANDER BROCK Local Democracy Reporter

NEW schools will be opened by Birmingham City Council as the number of children with special educational needs and requiring support rises 'year-on-year!

New figures revealed dozens of children faced waits of several weeks for a special school placement in the city.

And a council report showed the authority had missed a target for giving youngsters with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) a placement in the first quarter of 2025-26.

The authority said the numbers of new assessments and EHCPS continue to rise year-on-year.

"This inevitably impacts on those children and young people assessed as needing a special school placement," a report said.

But it was continuing to expand its special school provision where possible.