Buckinghamshire Council has announced it will scrap its plans for a new specialist school. This new school would have only provided 152 places for the most vulnerable children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This decision comes amid a £27 million gap in funding for services catering to these children, exacerbating concerns about the adequacy of support in the region.
The scrapping of the specialist school project has used a wave of anger from local representatives. MP Greg Smith condemned the decision, labeling it “deeply unfair to children with special educational needs and disabilities.” He shone a light on the growing pressure for special education places in his authority of Buckinghamshire. In particular, children are increasingly displaying more complex needs that necessitate specialized support.
Councillor Carl Jackson, Buckinghamshire Council’s cabinet member for education and children’s services, acknowledged the rising demand for special schools but indicated that the decision to cancel was necessary given current budget constraints. He called it “at odds with acute demand” in the region.
The council is contending with a £10 million deficit in government funding for special school places. Despite this financial strain, alternative funding of £8 million over three years has been proposed to address some of the immediate needs. Most people agree that won’t be enough, as the need for special schools will increase by about 65%.
Population growth and planned new housing developments in Buckinghamshire are forecasted to further elevate the need for specialist education by 2033. Families in Aylesbury and High Wycombe continue to live under significant duress while they look for appropriate care for their children. Unfortunately, at the same time, the demand for established special schools in these areas is increasing.
Canceling the school project would endanger thousands of schoolchildren who are so highly vulnerable. Without it, they may not have the educational resources children need. As local decision makers continue to address these challenges, what the future holds for special education across Buckinghamshire is still up in the air.
