social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH)
Tower Hamlets Council is investigating disproportionate EHCPs for Bangladeshi children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs.
Tower Hamlets Council is investigating the reasons for a disproportionately high number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) issued to children from Bangladeshi backgrounds, as highlighted by Councillor Iqbal Hossain in September 2026. This follows statistics showing 45.6% of children with EHCPs are from a Bangladeshi background, compared to 12.4% from a White background, in a borough where 34% of the population is Bangladeshi.
In August 2025, Haringey Council approved plans to convert the St Mary's Infant School site into a resource provision for children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This will create 34 Key Stage 3 and 4 places, operated by Park View Secondary School, after the council secured £7 million from the Department for Education.
No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled to discuss Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, which relate to a child's emotional well-being, social interactions, and mental health. Hillingdon Council's Children, Families and Education Select Committee also discussed updates on its SEND and Alternative Provision strategy in April 2026.
Key facts
- Tower Hamlets Council is investigating disproportionate EHCPs for Bangladeshi children. Source
- In September 2026, Councillor Iqbal Hossain highlighted 45.6% of Tower Hamlets EHCPs are for Bangladeshi children. Source
- Haringey Council approved 34 Key Stage 3 and 4 SEMH places at St Mary's Infant School site in August 2025. Source
- Haringey Council secured £7 million from the Department for Education for the SEMH provision. 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 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.