Mainstream schooling is aim for more Blackpool pupils with special education needs

Currently the town has fewer children with EHCPs (education, health and care plan) in mainstream education than similar local authorities.

Figures from the Department for Education show in 2021 there were 1,206 children and young people in Blackpool, aged 25 and under, with an EHCP.

This number has more than doubled since 2015, with most children of primary or secondary school age.

Now a raft of new policies have been set out by the council in its Blackpool Draft SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) Strategy 2022 to 2025 presented to a meeting of the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Committee.

An introduction to the strategy says: "It provides direction and challenge to enable positive outcomes for children and young people, so that they can live happy healthy lives in a community that is inclusive and supports them to achieve their ambitions."

Priorities include increasing the percentage of children with an EHCP attending mainstream schools, and increasing parents' confidence in mainstream schooling for their children.

In order to achieve this it is proposed to improve SEND guidance and advice for schools, provide high quality training for staff and work with health services to provide support.

More support will also be given to children with special needs to prepare them to live independently when they reach adulthood, including to help them access further education.

The report adds the strategy "sets out our vision, priorities, and ways of working, ensuring that the voices of children and young people and their families are heard as we reshape services to meet local needs."

The pressure on school places in the town's special schools has led to additional capacity being required.

Space at The Oracle children's centre on St Annes Road, South Shore, is currently being converted to classrooms at a cost of £85,000 for use by sixth formers from Park Community Academy on Whitegate Drive.

It is due to be ready in time to accept its first cohort of pupils by September this year.

​Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here