Around £860 million will be allocated to councils in England - the biggest ever single investment in improving school facilities for children with SEND – aimed at creating a more inclusive physical environment in mainstream schools. More funding will follow over the next few years.

Calderdale is set to receive £3.1 million to improve SEND provision for children and families in Calder Valley and Halifax. The local authority is tasked with using the funds to support more inclusive strategies in mainstream schools, and ensuring sufficient special school and alternative provision places are available to support the most complex and vulnerable children.

This month it was announced that Labour-run Calderdale Council will be moving forward with a new 125-place ‘alternative provision’ school in partnership with Delta Academies Trust. Short-term placements will offer targeted specialist help and support to enable children and young people to return to their education. This facility will be in addition to a new council-funded free school in North Halifax, offering 200 places for children aged 4 to 16 with additional needs including autism, speech, language and communication, and social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

Josh Fenton-Glynn MP, Labour Member of Parliament for Calder Valley, said:

“From my roundtables with local families with experience of the SEND system last year, I know parents want their child to get the right support closer to home.

“The previous government let them down badly over 14 years and our Labour government is determined to change things for the better. This funding backs our commitment to rebuilding an education system where all children can learn in a school that is right for them.

“We have more work to do on the details, and I know many parents have questions about the proposed SEND reforms following the publication of the recent white paper. I would encourage them to make their voices heard through the consultation, and to contact me with anything they want to raise.”

Minister for Schools, Georgia Gould MP said:

“Inclusion is a choice, one this government is proud to make, and the funding we’re backing councils with will help make it a reality.

“Every school can, and will, have a bespoke environment that children with SEND – and their families - can rely on, ultimately rebuilding trust in the system and transforming outcomes for young people.”