Central Beds' consultation over special school places given go-ahead despite councillor's concerns

Independent Ampthill councillor Mark Smith called for the consultation to be delayed at a meeting of the council's executive committee.

As part of its 'Schools for the Future' programme, the committee was asked to approve a public consultation to increase special school places and additional resources.

"I would recommend the executive defer this until further work is undertaken," warned councillor Smith.

"The forecast of places is fundamentally flawed because it's based on current numbers of children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs) and in specialist placements.

"There are many children who need EHCPs and specialist placements, but don't have them through failings I've identified before."

Conservative Cranfield and Marston Moretaine councillor Sue Clark told the committee that "a considerable amount of work" had been done with special schools and parents to assess the projected need for special school places.

Councillor Clark said: "We've identified we'll need an extra 92 places, during the next few years, on top of the 100 we currently provide.

"Of these, 20 will be required immediately in the form of a high performing autism unit.

"Our intention is to deliver that in the Shefford Stotfold area later this year, and a further 42 places will be required in additional resource provisions from 2023 onwards.

"For our four special schools, we'll need 250 extra places from 2023 onwards," she added.

"This is an ambitious plan where we recognise our schools need re-providing, as well as a new special school, which would be run by Oak Bank School, in the Shefford and Stotfold area."

The number of pupils receiving SEND support in mainstream schools has risen from 4,700 to 5,000 in the last three years, according to the report to CBC's executive.

It stated that as of June 2020, CBC had about 1,850 EHCPs for pupils in reception through to year 14.

Councillor Smith asked whether mainstream schools had any input into developing the forecasting methods, adding: "Can we be sure these are going to be backed up with trained staff?"

Councillor Clark, who's the executive member for families, education and children, replied: "I'm really disappointed by councillor Smith's comments.

"The methodology was worked out and agreed with our special school heads and we used an independent consultant to advise us.

"Mainstream schools will be consulted during the planned engagement.

"An independent review of all EHCPs has been taking place and the information will be made public this month when that report is published."

Conservative Westoning, Flitton and Greenfield councillor James Jamieson, chair of the committee, said: "I understand there's some urgency as regard the 20 places and deferring this report would put those in jeopardy."

Councillor Clark agreed, saying: "I don't think should we should defer this consultation.

"We're confident the methodology we've used is sound."

The executive unanimously agreed to the consultation process from February 3 until May 5.