Schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are set to receive more than £5.4 million to improve support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The funding forms part of a national programme worth more than £3 billion aimed at creating more inclusive classrooms across England.
Around £860 million from the first round will be shared between councils, with BCP Council set to receive £5,449,671 – an increase of more than £1.4 million compared with last year.
The funding will support the expansion of Inclusion Bases in mainstream schools, helping pupils with SEND access specialist support closer to home.
Councils receiving funding will be required to prioritise increasing specialist places in mainstream schools and reduce the number of children who have to travel long distances for education.
The money can also be used to improve school environments, including sensory spaces and accessibility adaptations.
Schools Minister Georgia Gould said the funding is part of wider reforms aimed at ensuring more children can thrive in their local community.
Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale said the investment will help ensure children in the area receive the support they need without travelling far from home.
Share us with your friends on social media, and have a listen to Bournemouth One online and on DAB for all your local news, traffic, jobs, weather, coastal info and more.
Register below for free regular updates via email.