Key Points
- Brent Council in North London plans to create 212 additional school placements for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) using £10.6m from a Department for Education grant as part of ‘Phase 2’ of its SEND Capital Programme.
- The initiative includes a proposed new special school and expansions at four existing sites to address a significant shortfall in local provision.
- Expected annual savings of £5.6m for the council, comprising £4.3m from reduced out-of-borough placements and £1.3m from lower special needs transport costs.
- Current out-of-borough and independent placements cost £17.5m yearly, plus £6m in transport, totalling over £23m.
- Despite additions, the provision will still fall short of projected needs by 2027 due to rising demand.
- Since November 2024 Cabinet approval, the council has consulted on delivery; Cabinet to approve remaining 162 places on January 19, 2026.
- New 50-place SEND provision at Strathcona site in Preston Park remains under consultation.
- 74 secondary places: 34 at The Avenue via temporary building at Newman Catholic College; 40 at The Village School (20 at main site, 20 at rebuilt Kingsbury High School by September 2029).
- 88 primary places in 2026: 72 at The Manor School 1 by leasing capacity at St Mary’s; 16 at The Manor School 2 via early years expansion at Bridge Road satellite site.
- EHCPs increased across all age groups last year, with 8.2% rise for primary-aged children (5-10 years).
- Plans to create 63 additional teaching and support staff roles.
- Growing demand linked to higher EHCP numbers, straining budgets and transport.
Brent Brent Council is advancing plans to fund 212 new SEND places with an extra £10.6m, projecting £5.6m annual savings, yet acknowledging it falls short of future demand (North London News) January 14, 2026 – Brent Council in North London has proposed allocating £10.6m from a Department for Education grant to deliver 212 additional school places for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) under Phase 2 of its SEND Capital Programme. The Cabinet is scheduled to approve these measures next week on January 19, 2026, following consultations since November 2024. While the expansion promises significant cost reductions, council documents highlight that demand will outpace supply by 2027.
Why Is Brent Council Expanding SEND Provision?
The expansion targets a “significant shortfall” in in-borough SEND places, aiming to curb reliance on costly out-of-borough and independent schools. As outlined in council documents, current arrangements cost £17.5m annually for placements plus £6m for transport, totalling £23.5m. By localising provision, Brent anticipates £4.3m yearly savings on placements and £1.3m on transport, yielding £5.6m overall.
This Phase 2 builds on prior approvals, incorporating a new special school alongside enhancements at existing sites. The strategy responds to surging EHCP numbers, with primary-aged children (5-10 years) seeing an 8.2% increase last year across all groups. Council projections underscore that without action, financial pressures would intensify amid growing needs.
What Specific Sites Will Host the New Places?
The 212 places split into secondary and primary allocations, with precise locations detailed in consultation documents. For secondary provision, 74 places emerge: 34 at The Avenue through a temporary building at Newman Catholic College, and 40 at The Village School—20 at the main site and 20 at the rebuilt Kingsbury High School site, due by September 2029.
Primary places total 88, rollout throughout 2026: 72 at The Manor School 1 via leased capacity at St Mary’s, and 16 at The Manor School 2 through early years expansion at the Bridge Road satellite site. The new 50-place unit at Strathcona in Preston Park remains under consultation, complementing these four sites.
When Will the Cabinet Approve These Plans?
Brent Council’s Cabinet approved initial Phase 2 elements in November 2024, triggering public consultations on delivery options. The January 19, 2026, meeting focuses on finalising the 162 places beyond Strathcona. Documents indicate staggered implementation, with primary expansions in 2026 and Kingsbury High by 2029, aligning with demand forecasts.
This timeline reflects ongoing efforts to balance urgency with community input. Since the November decision, the council has gathered feedback to refine site-specific plans, ensuring feasibility.
How Does This Address Rising SEND Demand?
EHCP numbers have climbed borough-wide, driven by primary school-aged pupils’ 8.2% rise. Sending children out-of-borough exacerbates costs and transport burdens, currently at £23.5m combined. Local expansion mitigates this, projecting £5.6m savings while adding 63 teaching and support roles, boosting capacity and employment.
Yet, as council projections note, even 212 places won’t suffice by 2027 due to sustained growth. This shortfall echoes prior reports on SEND pressures, including special school strikes and place shortages.
What Savings Can Brent Expect Annually?
The £5.6m projection breaks down clearly: £4.3m from fewer external placements and £1.3m from transport efficiencies. These figures stem from replacing high-cost independent options with local alternatives, directly easing the £17.5m placement bill.
Additional benefits include stabilised budgets and enhanced staff numbers. The 63 new roles—teaching and associated—support expanded provision, fostering sustainable growth despite incomplete demand coverage.
Why Won’t 212 Places Meet Future Needs?
Council documents explicitly state the expansion “still fall[s] short of the number of places projected to be needed by 2027” amid escalating demand. EHCP surges, particularly 8.2% for ages 5-10, signal ongoing pressure outstripping Phase 2 gains.
This gap highlights systemic challenges in SEND funding nationwide, with Brent’s plans as a partial remedy. While savings materialise, long-term strategies must evolve to match trajectories.
How Does Phase 2 Build on Previous Efforts?
Phase 2 follows Cabinet’s November 2024 green light, extending Phase 1 amid consultations. It integrates the £10.6m grant for 212 places, including the Strathcona consultation. Sites like The Avenue, The Village School, and The Manor Schools leverage existing infrastructure via temporaries, leases, and rebuilds.
This progression underscores commitment, yet underscores persistent shortfalls reported in earlier coverage.
What Impact Will This Have on Staff and Transport?
Creating 63 roles enhances workforce capacity for SEND support. Transport savings of £1.3m arise from reduced out-of-borough travel, cutting the £6m burden.
These gains promote inclusion, keeping pupils closer to home and easing logistical strains.
Who Is Involved in the Decision-Making?
Brent Council’s Cabinet drives approvals, with January 19 pivotal for the 162 places. Consultations engaged stakeholders since November 2024, shaping sites like Newman Catholic College and St Mary’s.
The Department for Education’s grant enables funding, tying into national SEND priorities.
What Challenges Persist Despite Investment?
Rising EHCPs, especially primary surges, challenge sufficiency. Out-of-borough costs remain high at £23.5m pre-expansion, with projections unmet by 2027.
Staffing gains and savings offer relief, but demand growth necessitates further phases.
This comprehensive £10.6m investment marks progress for Brent’s SEND pupils, delivering 212 places and £5.6m savings while creating jobs. Yet, as demand climbs—EHCPs up 8.2% for primaries—the shortfall by 2027 signals need for sustained action. Cabinet’s January 19 decision locks in sites from The Avenue to Bridge Road, building on consultations. Local provision promises stability, reducing £23.5m external costs, though full equity awaits broader solutions.
