Mainstream schools across Lincolnshire are preparing to welcome more students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as part of a £7.2 million plan to expand specialist support in the region.
Thirteen schools, five council-run primaries, six primary academies, and two secondary academies are set to receive dedicated SEND facilities. These new spaces will feature tailored areas and trained staff to support better students who need additional help. With demand for special education places rising sharply and current specialist schools at capacity, the move aims to ease pressure while keeping students in their local communities.
The initiative is designed to create 200 extra school spaces, with ambitions to roll out up to 20 specialist units across the county. While the council will oversee improvements in state schools, academies will manage their upgrades. Most of the funding comes from the Department for Education, with the remaining £1.2 million covered by Lincolnshire County Council.
By strengthening support within mainstream settings, the council hopes to reduce reliance on costly placements at independent schools and keep more families closer to home.
The plans will be reviewed by the Children’s and Culture Scrutiny Committee on 20 June, with final approval expected shortly after.
