More specialist school places will be created across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole after BCP Council was awarded £9.18 million in government funding.
The money will expand support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
The capital funding forms part of a national £3 billion investment aimed at creating around 50,000 additional SEND school places across England, with BCP Council set to work alongside local schools to develop specialist provision within mainstream settings.
Plans include new breakout spaces for pupils who need additional support, as well as dedicated rooms designed for children with autism or ADHD, helping more pupils learn in familiar environments closer to home rather than travelling long distances.
The latest allocation adds to BCP Council’s share of £740 million in high needs capital funding already provided to councils this year, with further funding expected in spring as part of longer term investment plans.
Government figures show councils currently fund home to school transport for around 180,000 pupils with SEND, with local provision intended to reduce travel times and support inclusion within communities.
Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale said the funding would help ensure children receive the support they need locally and described the investment as an important step towards improving SEND provision across the area.
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