Five primary schools across Lincolnshire have been approved to host new hubs aimed at supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), in a move designed to make inclusive education more accessible and community-based.
The new centres will cater to pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), offering specialised support while keeping children within the mainstream school setting. This approach allows students to benefit from both tailored learning and the social advantages of remaining integrated with their peers.
The schools selected for the programme are Gonerby Hill Foot Church of England Primary School in Grantham, The Meadows Primary School in Lincoln, St George’s Church of England Primary School in Gainsborough, Caistor Church of England and Methodist Primary School, and Church Lane Primary School in Sleaford.
The total investment in the hubs exceeds £7 million and is being funded by the Department for Education. The project comes in response to a sharp increase in demand for SEND provision in the county, where the percentage of pupils with EHCPs (4.9%) is notably higher than the national average (4.2%).
Local officials say the initiative is intended to relieve pressure on oversubscribed special schools and reduce the need for families to travel long distances for appropriate support.
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