FROME is among a number of Somerset towns being considered for new special educational needs (SEN) units, as part of a wider plan to increase support for children with additional needs across the county.

The first six areas to receive a new special educational needs (SEN) unit will be schools in Taunton, Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Watchet, Crewkerne, and Dulverton. In addition, feasibility studies are currently under way for a further 12 schools, with potential sites identified in Bruton, Cheddar, Frome, Ilminster, Minehead, Wellington, Wincanton, and Yeovil.

These units are designed to relieve pressure on existing special schools, many of which are operating at or above capacity. They will also help reduce the need for children to travel long distances for suitable education, allowing more pupils to be supported within their local communities through tailored provision in mainstream settings.

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are usually educated in one of two contexts: either at specialist schools constructed by Somerset Council, or within mainstream schools in line with agreed education, health and care plans (EHCPs).

The council has faced numerous challenges on this front in recent years, with existing specialist schools operating at full capacity and the number of young people with EHCPs rising.

These challenges have resulted in increased transport costs for the council, as more SEND children are placed in specialist schools further away, and have also led to a rise in complaints to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) over delays in reviewing EHCPs.

To address these problems, the council decided in March that 15 new SEND pupil units will be created within existing schools, allowing more SEND children to have a normal education.

The first six units are set to open in September, with studies ongoing for the remaining sites over the next year.