Spare space in Redbridge schools is set to be used for children with special educational needs, as falling pupil numbers meet a sharp rise in demand for specialist support.
The London Borough of Redbridge is implementing a School Organisation Strategy for 2026-2031, which aims to balance the declining demand for mainstream school places with a rising need for specialist support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The number of children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), which set out the support a child with special educational needs must receive, is increasing. Between January 2022 and May 2026, EHCPs for primary-aged children rose by 60% and for secondary-aged pupils by 37%. To meet this need, the council plans to use available accommodation within the school estate to expand specialist SEND provision.
At the same time, the strategy acknowledges a national trend of falling birth rates and families moving out of London, which has reduced the number of children needing mainstream primary and secondary school places. In response, Redbridge has already cut published admission numbers (PAN), the number of places a school offers each year, by 525 primary places since 2020, with a further 150 to go by September 2029. In secondary schools, 132 places have been removed, with another 180 to be cut by September 2031 and a further 240 by 2034.
This strategic approach aims to ensure sufficient, suitable, and accessible education for all Redbridge children. The council is working closely with headteachers and governing bodies to manage these changes, with a focus on supporting school financial sustainability and exploring options such as federation and amalgamation before considering school closures as a last resort.
To support staff in adapting to these changes, Redbridge has a detailed SEND training and development programme for teaching and support staff. This training is delivered in partnership with other learning partnerships and aims to equip staff to respond effectively to the needs of children with SEND and other inclusion needs.
The strategy also considers early years and post-16 provision, with sufficient early years places available. For post-16 education, there are plans to expand vocational provision, particularly for young people with SEND or mental health needs.
