Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to increase the number of specialist school places available in England.

We are investing at least £3.7 billion in high needs capital funding nationally between 2025/26 and 2029/30, to support local authorities to provide places for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Through the High Needs Provision Capital Allocations, Thurrock has been allocated just under £2 million in 2025/26 and just over £2.4 million in 2026/27. Essex has been allocated just under £21 million in 2025/26 and just over £21.2 million in 2026/27. Allocations for 2027/28 will be published in spring 2027.

This funding is expected to support a significant expansion of inclusion bases and adaptations to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of mainstream settings. It can also be used to create additional special school places for children and young people with the most complex needs.