Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision
Councils are addressing school place planning and funding, reviewing demand for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision.
Redbridge Council is planning to reduce primary school places by 675 by 2029, as part of its School Organisation Strategy. The Children and Education Scrutiny Committee reviewed this strategy in November 2026. The Redbridge Schools Forum was scheduled to review data on the demand for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision in October 2026.
In October 2026, Lewisham's Schools Forum was scheduled to consider updates on the Dedicated Schools Grant, which includes funding for schools. Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved consulting on proposals to close a school and noted a significant funding gap in October 2026, impacting overall school provision.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision refers to the educational support and services provided to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Councils are responsible for planning and funding these services within their local areas.
Key facts
- Redbridge will have 675 fewer primary school places by 2029 than in 2020. Source
- Redbridge Council plans to remove 525 primary school places between September 2020 and September 2027. Source
- A further 150 primary school places are planned to go between September 2028 and September 2029 in Redbridge. Source
- The reductions are part of Redbridge Council’s School Organisation Strategy, running from September 2026 to August 2031. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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 10 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.