Issue

School Place Shortage

37 stories · discussed at 199 council meetings · 32 councils

Councils are currently addressing the provision of special educational needs and disabilities support and the delivery of Education, Health and Care Plans.

Kingston upon Thames' Schools Forum discussed the 2026-27 finance update and the SEND Futures Plan in September 2026, approving the continuation of the cluster model for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support. In July 2026, a report to Bexley's Children's Services and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted a slight dip in the delivery of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) within the statutory 20-week timeframe.

Bexley's Children's Services is also undergoing a transformation programme, the Future Bexley Children's Transformation programme, aiming for £1.98 million in savings by March 2027 through a commissioning redesign. This topic, concerning insufficient school places to meet demand, is scheduled for discussion at Bexley's Community Safety Scrutiny Project Sub Group and Hammersmith and Fulham's Licensing Sub-Committee on September 30, 2026.

Further discussions on the school place shortage are scheduled for Tower Hamlets' Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee on October 5, 2026. Hounslow's Cabinet Member Single Member Decision is also scheduled for October 6, 2026, where the topic will be on the agenda.

Key facts

  1. Bexley's Children's Services and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted a slight dip in EHCP delivery in July 2026. Source
  2. Bexley's Future Bexley Children's Transformation programme aims for £1.98 million savings by March 2027. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 2

  1. Better Care Fund misses targets for reducing hospital delays Richmond upon Thames' Better Care Fund (BCF) has fallen short of its targets for reducing hospital delays and admissions to residential care in the 2025-26 reporting period. The... Richmond upon Thames 17 July 2026
  2. Council Communications Team boosts engagement by 41% Richmond upon Thames Council's Communications Team has achieved a significant 41% increase in social media impressions over the past year, a testament to their enhanced... Richmond upon Thames 17 July 2026
  3. Bexley's EHCP delivery slips, but still above average Bexley's delivery of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) within the statutory 20-week timeframe has seen a slight dip, though performance remains above the London and... Bexley 1 July 2026
  4. Bexley Children's Services Transformation Targets £1.98 Million Savings Through Commissioning Redesign and Practice Model Review Bexley's Children's Services is undergoing a significant transformation, the Future Bexley Children's Transformation programme, with a focus on improving outcomes for young... Bexley 1 July 2026
  5. Barnet Council to consult on gambling policy Barnet Council is preparing to consult the public on its Gambling Statement of Principles, a crucial document that will guide the regulation of gambling premises across the... Barnet 3 June 2026
  6. Tower Hamlets Council approves allowance increase Tower Hamlets Council has approved a significant increase to its Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026-27, following a four-year freeze. Tower Hamlets 22 May 2026
  7. Newham's housing enforcement policy revised Newham Council has revised its Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy as part of its implementation plan for the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA25), which came into effect on... Newham 4 May 2026
  8. Newham Council gears up for Renters' Rights Act Newham Council has approved an implementation plan to bring the Renters' Rights Act 2025 into effect across the borough, a move designed to significantly enhance tenant rights... Newham 4 May 2026