Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is proposing to expand the post-16 provision at Linwood School Skills Centre on Ashley Road in Poole.
The centre currently provides 30 places for young people aged 16 to 19 with Education, Health and Care Plans, but the council wants to create an additional 30 places from September 2026.
The expansion follows increasing demand for specialist provision, with local figures showing the number of children requiring EHCP support is rising by around 11 per cent each year.
The Skills Centre opened in November 2025 after a £1.55 million investment and was designed to reduce the need for costly out-of-area placements.
Students follow programmes focused on preparing for adulthood, including social communication, independence, confidence building and life skills such as cooking, budgeting and self-care.
Facilities include specialist classrooms and a fully equipped training flat with a kitchen, bathroom and living area.
The council says additional SEN teachers and teaching assistants would be recruited if needed.
A public consultation is now open, with residents invited to submit comments before midday on 15 June 2026. A final decision is expected at a cabinet meeting on 22 July.